COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL / BASKETBALL: WAVERLY'S ADAMS COMMITS TO PLAY TWO SPORTS AT WELLS COLLEGE (2020-04-11)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportWAVERLY "” For most freshmen, adjusting to college life can be a chore, especially if you're an athlete. Waverly senior Morgan Adams will have it doubly-tough after verbally committing to play volleyball and basketball at Wells College.
"I think I'm just use to being a three-sport athlete," she said. "I've also been class president since I was a freshman, so I'm use to being busy.
"I think being at a smaller college will make it easier," noted Adams. "I've spoken with other people there who play three sports, and they've told me it's not that difficult once you get use to the lifestyle.
"I took a lot of college classes in high school, so I figure my freshman year I can go a little lighter on the classes, so I can get use to college and see how playing two or three sports works out.
"If it works out, good for me. If not, then I can adjust from there," Adams added.
Adams chose Wells because it reminded her of Waverly.
"I'm originally from a bigger city area, so coming to Waverly, a smaller quiet place, was relaxing, and it felt more like home.
"Wells gives me that kind of vibe as well," she said. "It's serene, everyone there is friendly and welcoming - it made it feel just like home."
"And, it's a smaller school, so I can go and talk to the professors, and they'll know me by name," Adams added, who moved to Waverly from the Boston area in fourth grade.
Adams, who also played softball at Waverly, definitely has a favorite.
"For sure, volleyball is my favorite sport."
As a 5-foot, 9-inch middle hitter, Adams knows she has things to work on to play at the next level.
"I think I need to work on my hitting and attacks, on my timing," she said. "Instead of hitting it as hard as I can, I really need to aim for spots.
"Being a middle player, I'll need to step up my game against taller girls," noted Adams. "With me being a little smaller than middle hitters are suppose to be, I should probably work on my jumping.
"Hopefully, they'll be sending me a routine I can get working on every day, and that will help out," she added.
Former Waverly volleyball coach Kesha Sinsabaugh, who stepped down after last season, said Adams was a major contributor for the Lady Wolverines.
"Morgan is the player that surprised me a few years ago," she said. "Her sophomore year, there were a few injuries on the varsity squad and she stepped up in the post season to help us out.
"She started to exceed expectations each day from there on," noted Sinsabaugh. "She became a versatile player who didn't worry about focusing on one position, and was able to move from outside hitter to middle hitter without concern.
"She played where needed and always kept her team's best interest in mind when being put on the court," added Sinsabaugh. "She is going to be a strong mental asset for Wells as she is a supporter and consistent player, who is always willing to put the work in each and every day, and more."
Sinsabaugh says playing in college is a challenge for every athlete.
"Playing at the college level is going to be a different animal than player for me," she said. "I require a lot, but as much as we play and practice throughout the year, in college they do that 10 times more.
"Although I fully expect she will be OK in this regard, the continual work and drive she has is what she will need to keep to keep going forward," added Sinsabaugh. "I'm excited to see her play and watch her grow over the next few years."
Adams knows her size will also present challenges on the basketball court as well.
"I need to be tougher down low in the post," she said. "Again, I'm only 5-9. I'm going to be going up against bigger girls, so I'm going to have be tough and aggressive underneath the net.
I think I need to look to take the open shot a little more, too," added Adams. "I need to make myself a threat with the ball."
Waverly basketball coach Bob Kelly believes Wells College is the perfect fit for what Adams wants.
"Morgan had a plan; find a school that offers curriculum that follows her career aspirations and allows her to compete as an athlete in multiple sports," said Kelly. "Wells College turned out to be that fit.
"Morgan is committed to the task at hand," he noted. "If that task is calculus or basketball, Morgan will give it her all.
"As a basketball player, Morgan's game greatly improved this season," he continued. "Her self-confidence grew with the expectations that were placed on her from within herself and by her coach. She grew into the player we had hoped she would.
"Wells College will get a student-athlete who will give her all in the classroom and on the court," added Kelly. "I am very happy and proud of Morgan."
Adams is toying with the idea of being a three-sport athlete at Wells.
"The softball coach texted me, too, wondering if I wanted to play," she said. "I don't know, maybe my freshman year I'll play three sports, but as of right now I'm just committed to the two."
Adams is majoring in Business and Finance.
"I love math," she said. "Anything with numbers and math is my favorite thing."
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IN PHOTOS: Morgan Adams.
