Senior spotlight: Morgan Wardall looks to lead Merrill back to state
MERRILL - Morgan Wardall has been a fixture in the lineup for the Merrill volleyball team since her freshman season and was a unanimous selection to the all-Wisconsin Valley Conference team last season as the Bluejays advanced to the WIAA state tournament.
Merrill entered the week as the lone team without a loss in the WVC, and Wardall again is a reason the Bluejays, ranked ninth in Division 2 in the latest Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association state poll, could make a run to the Resch Center for the second straight season and third time in four years.
Merrill coach Kris Krug said the 6-foot middle blocker has elevated her game this fall.
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"She definitely looks like a different player," Krug said. The big test was early in the season when we went down to Whitewater (for a tournament) and Morgan looked like a college girl playing high school volleyball. She saw the court so well and she could put the ball away just about every time she got it in her hands. I thought (that weekend) showed she had got to the level that we knew she had in her."
Wardall entered the week leading the WVC in blocks per set (1.21) and was second in both kills (83) and hitting percentage (.366). Krug said the biggest difference might be in her serving. Wardell leads the Bluejays in aces this season after struggling with her serving accuracy last year.
Wardall recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about her athletic memories, her future plans and the interesting choice for a pet she hopes to own one day, among other topics.
Do you have a nickname that your friends/teammates or family calls you?
"Morgs-Wards" — part of my first name and part of my last name. Or my family calls me "Ma-Who". I looked like Cindy Lou Who when I was little.
Is there something most people might not know about you?
I can stand on the knucles of my toes and I want to own a lion someday. I just think it would be cool, and I could tame it down.
What has been your most memorable sports moment?
Last year at state (volleyball). Even though it was a tough loss, it was a fun experience.
Is there a moment that stands out from then?
Probably just walking out onto the court with the crowd cheering and the spotlight being on the team.
What would you say your most embarrasing sports moment has been if one stands out?
Probably freshman year. I went up (to hit) the ball and missed completely.
You are headed to (the University of Wisconsin) Whitewater next year. What led you there?
I was exploring my options and they were my first couple of visits. I loved their campus and how modern it is and they have a really good vollleyball program. Nothing ever really came close in comparison (to Whitewater), and it's not too far away from home but not too close.
Do you have any prematch superstitions or routines you do before each match?
I do the same warm-up every time. My right hand five (hits) then my left hand five times over and over again.
Are there certain teammates you will especially miss after this year?
My setter, Lindsey (Casper) and libero Kelsie (Belfiori). All three of us grew up playing volleyball together.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Channing Tatum.
Where is your dream vacation?
Quintana.
What is your dream career?
A radiologist.
FAVORITES
Sport: Volleyball.
Pro or college athlete: (UW-Whitewater volleyball player) Courtney Wagner.
Musical act: Tim McGraw.
TV show: "Pretty Little Liars."
Movie: "Unstoppable."