MSU hires Spencer Fane as coach put on leave

Photo courtesy Missouri State University

Melissa Stokes is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into undisclosed allegations.

Photo courtesy Missouri State University

Manolo Concepción takes on the day-to-day duties of the women’s volleyball program, pending the completion of the investigation.

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Missouri State University hired Spencer Fane LLP to conduct an investigation into allegations involving the school’s women’s volleyball program.

Melissa Stokes, head coach of the program, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to a news release. Declining to disclose Spencer Fane’s rates, MSU Assistant Athletics Director Rick Kindhart said the law firm’s “services will be billed on an hourly scale throughout its involvement with the investigation.”

The release does not detail the allegations, and MSU spokeswoman Andrea Mostyn said no additional information is being released at this time.

“We have an obligation to take seriously any concerns raised regarding our programs,” MSU Athletics Director Kyle Moats said in the release.

Manolo Concepción, associate head coach of women’s volleyball, was appointed to oversee the day-to-day duties until the completion of the investigation. The 2019 season is scheduled to start Aug. 24, according to MissouriStateBears.com.

Stokes, according to the website, is scheduled to enter her 24th season as head coach of women’s volleyball at MSU this year. Her current base salary is $112,157, according to the contract terms.