Circleville senior Morgan Blakeman recently signed to play volleyball at Ohio Christian University, an NAIA institution. Blakeman earned first-team Mid-State League Buckeye Division honors and was named District 14 Player of the Year for tallying 400 kills, 43 aces, 45 total blocks and 406 digs in leading the Tigers to a 20-4 season and a district tournament berth.
Question: Talk to us about the recruiting process that you went through, how many schools that you looked at and what made Ohio Christian the right fit for you?
Answer: I didn’t look at very many schools. Being a middle in high school and only having film on me from the middle and not the outside I knew it would be hard for coaches to see the type of player I was. I love OCU because it is close to home, and the volleyball program is just an amazing atmosphere.
Question: What would you like to major in at OCU, and why is that appealing to you?
Answer: I will major in Middle Childhood Education. I want to play a part in young kids’ lives.
Question: What has led to your success in volleyball? What are your strengths as an athlete and what are a few areas you’ve had to work at the hardest to improve?
Answer: I think believing in myself is what has led to my success. Having people around me that believe in me helps as well. I would say my strengths would be being able to be a role model and learn from my mistakes. I have had to work hard on how to block out when someone is talking down on me or my play.
Question: What does your workout routine look like to work on your craft?
Answer: I don’t really “workout” but I like to practice on my own with the setters at pratice just to sharpen up.
Question: What are some memories from playing at Circleville over the last four years that you will treasure for years to come?
Answer: Of course, I will have to say getting to spend my senior year with my sister! My favorite game to play in every year was the alumni game, and I hope to play in it this year.
Question: Favorite meal?
Answer: Chicken Tenders and Baked Potatoes.
Question: Favorite place to eat out at?
Answer: Longhorn
Question: Favorite store to shop at?
Answer: T.J Maxx
Question: Favorite musical group or genre?
Answer: I like Morgan Wallen
Question: Favorite movie?
Answer: High School Musical
Question: Hobbies?
Answer: I don’t really have any.
Question: Favorite holiday?
Answer: Easter, I love spending time with my family and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus!
Question: What is your most valuable possession?
Answer: My dogs I have three big babies!
Question: Something that no one knows about you?
Answer: I love to sing in my church!
Question: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on in your life?
Answer: When my parents, younger sister and I went on vacation over Pumpkin Show break. It was a very relaxed vacation and we just had so much fun!
Question: Favorite memory from the Circleville Pumpkin Show?
Answer: My favorite memory would be going through the parade cheering!
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