Southeast Missouri State University will continue to bring Missouri’s top high school volleyball teams and their supporters to Cape Girardeau, with the Show Me Center selected to host the Missouri State High School Activities Association Girls Volleyball Championships through 2030 and the Boys Volleyball Championships through 2031.
The girls’ championships will return to the Show Me Center from 2028-30, while the boys’ championships will be held at the venue from 2029-31. The Show Me Center most recently hosted the MSHSAA Girls Volleyball Championships from 2011 to 2024 and currently hosts the MSHSAA Boys Volleyball Championships.
For Cape Girardeau, the championships bring more than competition to the Show Me Center. The girls’ tournament brings teams from 20 schools and approximately 400 participants to the community for the four-day championship. The two-day boys’ tournament brings approximately 160 participants.
The championships give the Show Me Center an opportunity to bring a major statewide high school event to Cape Girardeau while introducing visiting athletes, families and coaches to the university and the surrounding community. The resulting visitor traffic also supports local businesses during the championship events.
“We believe these championships provide tremendous value to Southeast Missouri State University, the City of Cape Girardeau and the local business community,” said Becky Vetter, executive director of the Show Me Center. “Participants, coaches, families and supporters occupy local hotels and frequent area restaurants and businesses throughout the championship events.”
For SEMO, hosting the championships also provides an opportunity to celebrate high school student-athletes at an important point in their athletic careers.
“We understand the importance of celebrating student-athletes and recognizing the dedication, perseverance and achievements that have brought them to the state championships,” Vetter said. “The Show Me Center is honored to provide a stage to celebrate this accomplishment.”
The championships also add to the Show Me Center’s role as a regional venue capable of hosting large-scale events that bring visitors to Cape Girardeau.
“We are proud to help create a memorable experience for the athletes, their families, coaches and fans who have supported them along the way,” Vetter said. “We hope their time at our venue and in our community leaves a lasting impression and inspires them to return and visit us again in the future.”
By bringing statewide events to Cape Girardeau, SEMO and the Show Me Center create opportunities for student-athletes while supporting the businesses and communities that make the region a destination for visitors.
For students looking for a university where athletics, academics and community connections come together, visit semo.edu/apply.