JONESVILLE — Morgan Wood’s search for a college where she could continue playing volleyball while pursuing her academic ambitions led her to Adrian College, where she found both a future team and a clear path toward her career goals.
After completing one of the most accomplished athletic careers in recent Jonesville volleyball history, Wood signed to continue her volleyball career with the Bulldogs while studying pre-law. She plans to complete her undergraduate studies at Adrian before attending law school at the University of Toledo.
“I’m going for pre-law, so I’ll do three years at Adrian to study undergrad at pre-law and then I’ll transfer over to the University of Toledo to start law school there,” Wood said.
Wood said her interest in law comes from her family background and a desire to help others navigate the legal system.
“My family background and I just want to understand how the court works and help other families in need,” she said.
Continuing her volleyball career was equally important.
“Just for the love of the game and hopefully to build more leadership skills,” Wood said.
Wood became familiar with Adrian College through one of the program’s volleyball camps, where she had the opportunity to meet future teammates and experience the Bulldogs’ program firsthand.
“I liked the Adrian College camp,” she said. “I met a bunch of great people there, future teammates and everything.”
As she reflected on her high school career, Wood pointed to Jonesville’s postseason run during her senior volleyball season as one of her favorite memories.
“Almost winning districts,” she said. “It was definitely a team bonding experience.”
Wood also thanked those who helped her reach the collegiate level.
“Thank you for supporting me, and I love all of them, and they just always have supported me from the start,” she said.
Team Leader
The signing caps an outstanding athletic career for Wood, who excelled in both volleyball and soccer for the Comets.
During her senior volleyball season playing for coach Sydney Barrett, Wood earned Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association all-region honors, first-team all-conference honors, Hillsdale Daily News first team all-area honors and finished as the runner-up for Player of the Year. She helped the Comets post a 23-win season while leading the team with 280 kills and 61 total blocks. She also recorded 13 kills in a postseason victory.
Wood’s success was built over multiple seasons. She led Jonesville in kills and blocks during each of her final two years, earning back-to-back first-team all-conference and first-team all-area honors while becoming a two-time Hillsdale Daily News Player of the Year nominee. She also earned the team’s MVP award.
Her athletic impact extended beyond volleyball. As a senior captain on the soccer team, Wood led the Comets in scoring while earning first-team Cascades Conference honors.
One of the defining moments of her senior soccer season came in the MHSAA district tournament, when she scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime of a 2-1 victory over Constantine. The victory was Jonesville’s first of the season and the program’s first in two years. Wood also helped Jonesville earn draws against Leslie and Stockbridge.
About Adrian College
Located in Adrian, Michigan, Adrian College is a private liberal arts institution competing at the NCAA Division III level. The Bulldogs are members of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the nation’s oldest collegiate athletic conference. Wood will join head coach David Kwan’s volleyball program while pursuing her pre-law studies. She also joins a growing list of Hillsdale County athletes competing for the Bulldogs, including Hillsdale Academy graduate Clara Heath.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Jonesville’s Morgan Wood continues volleyball career at Adrian College
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
