Girls volleyball: Morgan Kull savoring her final season playing for mom at St. Charles East

Morgan Kull has been around the St. Charles East girls volleyball program ever since she was born - and even for a few months before.

"I was pregnant with Morgan when we went downstate in 1998," said her mom, Jennie, who guided the Saints to a Class AA state quarterfinal berth 18 years ago.

Last Thursday, Morgan played the final home volleyball match of her 3-year varsity career at St. Charles East - again with her mom close by calling out instructions from the Saints' bench.

St. Charles East (24-9) earned the 2-set nonconference victory over Metea Valley on a memorable Senior Night in the Saints' gym.

"It was emotional," admitted Saints coach Jennie. "It was quite an emotional week. She played in a band concert at the school Wednesday night, then sang the national anthem and played the Senior Night (volleyball) match Thursday."

Along with her older sister, Katie (who also played volleyball at St. Charles East); Morgan has lived St. Charles East volleyball - both on and off the court.

"I've been able to grow up around the game," she said. "I've known the rules of volleyball since I was in elementary school."

Morgan accompanied her mom during the Saints' four other downstate trips, which included state championship runs in 2001 (Class AA) and 2008 (Class 4A) as well as third-place 4A finishes in 2007 and 2011.

Two years ago as a sophomore, Morgan arrived on the varsity scene with some admitted trepidation.

"I was a little nervous and scared," she said. "Earning a spot in the lineup over someone else was on me. I had to prove that I deserved to be on the court."

With her mom also serving as the head coach, it wasn't always easy to make things not look biased in any way.

"Sometimes, I've had to be harder on her," admitted Jennie. "I had to be careful that I wasn't showing any favoritism."

As a sophomore, Morgan was a 3-rotation player who didn't have the authority to be a team leader.

That has changed the past couple seasons.

"I was a captain last year along with two seniors," said Morgan. "I was still a 3-rotation player but I had more of a leadership role."

This season, her game has evolved.

The 5-foot-9 senior has turned into a versatile do-it-all type of player - whether she's making a picture-perfect set to teammates like Kyla Augustine, Emily Schildmeyer and Klaudia Sowizral, sprawling across the floor for a dig, putting down a left-handed kill, or jump-serving an ace.

"I play six rotations," said Morgan, now in her second season as a team captain. "It's a little different role but not a huge change. The younger players rely on you more. I love it."

"I knew she had it in her," said Jennie. "It's an opportunity that she has earned this year. She has really flourished. She can hold her own. I didn't want to take anything away from the rest of the girls. I'm very proud of how her teammates are so supportive and caring."

Her mom/coach has learned a great deal about her youngest daughter the past three years.

"It's interesting because she's very much like I am - working and wanting to the best you can do," said Jennie. "I didn't realize what a determined personality she has. She's more like me in that she's very vocal - more than what others are used to sometimes."

"I'm the crazy, competitive one on my team," admitted Morgan, who juggles a busy schedule that includes soccer, band, choir, work, and three National Honor Society clubs.

"She has the ability to manage her time very well," said her mom.

Morgan wouldn't trade the past three years for anything.

"I've enjoyed the whole experience, especially the home games," she said. "Our crowds are always great. Running out to warm-ups is the best feeling. I never get more excited."

Morgan also offered a shout-out to her dad, Jim, who is the longtime band director at St. Charles East.

"My dad is the ultimate supporter for me and my Mom," said Morgan, who expects to make her college choice (playing volleyball) in the next few weeks.

"He supports us," Jennie said of her husband. "He has been around it for so long. He knows when to say and not say things."

St. Charles East begins Class 4A regional tournament action Tuesday night at West Aurora.

"It's an exciting time," said Jennie, who cherishes the time spent coaching her daughters.

"I've been very blessed to have coached Morgan and Katie," she said. "I have a lot of great memories."

Craig Brueske can be reached at csb4k@hotmail.com