MORGAN PREPARED TO LEAD HAWKS TO GLORY IN 2019
Story by Phil Marshall
Coming off a 14-8 record and 4th in the regional tournament with an all-freshman team, HCC is looking to improve on last year's result with new leadership and new goals.
Rebecca Morgan, who has been an assistant with the team for the last two years, has stepped into the head coach's role. Morgan played on the team in 2008 and 2009 and was an All American both seasons. She was a staple in the Hawks success, making it to the Division II National Championships both years.
After her HCC playing days, she moved to North Carolina to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. While in North Carolina, she became a JV volleyball coach for two years at Scotland High School and Volleyball Club Director and coach for one year. All this experience led to July 8th when she found out that she would get to lead the Hawks in the upcoming season. She is joined by her sister Brooke Morgan, who is her assistant for the 2019 campaign.
Going into the 2019-2020 season, the Hawks will have seven players returning, along with three freshmen that are poised and ready for a successful season. "I consider all of our players as leaders," Morgan said. "They are all responsible and have great grades, I can't complain about any of them."
With new responsibility comes new challenges for Morgan. "I want there to be growth in these players," she said. "I want to find a happy medium that lets them love volleyball but also push them to succeed and be the best person they can be."
Morgan provides each player with a journal and assignments each week and wants them to write down personal goals, how they can be a better player on the court and a better person off the court. "Each and every one of players has the skills to perform, but finishing and getting the job done is important to me," Morgan said.
With new responsibilities also comes new expectations. "I don't want to let them down," she said. "When I commit to something, I want to do so fully, I want to be the best I can for each girl and for the entire team."
The season kicks off on Wednesday August 28 at home against Howard Community College.