Volleyball tournament remembers Savannah Domann, gives back to local youth
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- More than three years after the tragic death of a Mid-Buchanan volleyball coach, her family continues to honor her legacy through an annual volleyball tournament and scholarship fund.
Savannah Domann and her unborn child were killed by a drunk driver in a car crash in January 2022. In the wake of the tragedy, her family has worked to channel their grief into a meaningful cause, using her love of volleyball and passion for helping others to give back to the community.
"I've always said I didn't want her to be just another statistic or just another person taken by a driver under the influence," Savannah's sister Morgan Domann said. "Instead, we're turning that tragedy into something positive by giving back to high school students and volleyball players to keep a smile on her face."
Volleyball was a family tradition for the Domann's that Savannah especially cherished.
"It's something we've all done together our whole lives," Morgan said. "Savannah and I coached a club volleyball team together. After she was killed, her boyfriend and I took over the team and finished the season in her honor."
Now in its fourth year, the Savannah Domann Memorial Volleyball Tournament raises money to support scholarships for local high school seniors who plan to play volleyball in college.
"Every dollar raised goes directly to the volleyball scholarship fund,” Morgan said. "Each year, we award at least one scholarship to a Benton High School player since Savannah graduated from Benton, as did our whole family."
In its first year, the tournament raised $1,000, which funded two $500 scholarships. Organizers hope to see continued community support as the event grows, not just to help student-athletes, but to preserve Savannah's legacy.
"Even though the wounds never fully heal, I think about what she'd want us to do and that's to keep going and make something good out of this," Morgan said. "This is all for a good cause. You don’t have to be an experienced volleyball player to join in."
The tournament welcomes players of all levels, with brackets for intermediate and advanced competition.
"My 10-year-old is playing this year and he probably can't even serve over the net, which is okay," Morgan added.
Funding will come from T-shirt sales, raffles and a silent auction held during the event.
The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 14, at Revolutions Lanes & Fun Center, located at 6938 King Hill Ave. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. and games start at 9 a.m.
