Siblings: Brandin (brother) and Nicole (foster sister).
Position or events: Pin hitter (volleyball), post (basketball), track and field 300m hurdles and relays.
Snap: morgans13
Instagram: @mostewart2025
Career Highlight: When I signed to play Division I volleyball at DePaul University.
At what age did you start playing your main sport?
When I was four years old. My mom was a volleyball coach and I always went to the gym with her. Eventually I started working on skills with her and never looked back. I fell in love with the sport immediately.
Who introduced you to the sport?
My mom. I went to the gym with her and to watch her play leagues.
How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
I’ve discovered more effective ways to organize my assignments, tests, and projects. Additionally, I’ve developed improved study habits for exams. Certain teachers, including my mom, have been invaluable in assisting me with assignments and helping me stay organized.
What is your favorite part about this sport?
What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
With me being a neurodiverse athlete, volleyball has always been my safe space to get away from things that I might be struggling with. Playing the sport centers me. I have also had tons of support like my family and the coaches I’ve had along the way.
Is there a professional athlete you look up to?
If so, why? Kerri Walsh Jennings. I always watched her play and I saw how much passion she had for the game, the way she would cheer when they scored a point, and the way she would work out and keep giving it everything she had made me believe that I could do the same.
What would you say is your biggest asset on the court/field?
The way that I am always aggressive, giving everything I have to the game. The way I cheer when my teammates make big plays and that I always take big swings in the game but also know when to take those certain shots when it is needed. I bring a lot of intense, but positive energy to the court and to my teams.
What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
When I hit two huge milestones, 1000 kills my Junior year and 1,500 kills my senior year. My teammates and coaches, the parents and the student section all cheered so loud and were so happy for me.
How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
I have to listen to the same songs on game day. For high school, I always needed to have some type of braids in my hair. For club, I need to always have a slick back hairstyle. I also always say the same quote in my head every game day- “I don’t want to be better than you or her or him I want to be better than I am right now” – Kerri Walsh Jennings.
Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I use a lot of positive self-talk and remind myself that it’s ok to make mistakes. What matters is how I come back from those mistakes and how quickly I can. I also make sure to center myself throughout the week. I’ll often talk with mom about how excited I am and how I can’t wait for the day to come. Skills-wise I will get another session in with my personal trainer or do some extra drills at home. Just to make sure that I feel personally ready and to help my mind to center as well. Then on game days, I just make sure that I do the same routine every single time - same playlist, same hair, same quote in my head and then I hit the court.
Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
The best coach I’ve ever had that I would like to shout out is Kris Pulka-Schuh. After having a rough freshman year with the coach we had, I was slowly losing my passion for volleyball and she came in the next year and made me see why I am doing this sport and how much joy it brings me and the joy I bring to people and how talented I am. A teammate I would like to shout out is Alexa Hernandez. She made all my milestones in volleyball possible, all the memories we have made of how she always found ways to make me laugh, and the chest bumps we would have when we both made really big plays in the games. We were the Dynamic Duo together and close to being unstoppable. Alexa was my rock all through high school and I love her for that. The last one is Coach Marie for believing in me and my uniqueness and giving me the opportunity to play for her at DePaul. From the beginning she saw me, the true me, and has this amazing skill where she can make me feel ten feet tall and like I can do anything that I put my mind to. Plus, she encourages my fire and passion on and off the court. She’s pretty fiery too though which is awesome. Coach Marie has a big vision and huge goals and I’m super excited to take that journey with her.
Any hobbies outside of sports?
I like to paint and listen to music.
Favorite song?
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Body Armour.
Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I’m going to Depaul University to play volleyball and major in exercise science to become a high school athletic trainer.
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