Sep 11, 2009 3 min read

Among the 12 girls practicing at Jefferson-Morgan’s gymnasium are two seniors who know the value of being good teammates. Morgan Olson and Mabel Culp are members of the Jefferson-Morgan girls volleyball team, and, due to their experience and individual talents, are a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Olson grew up in a family of volleyball athletes, the younger sibling to twin sisters (Lyndsay and Sarah Olson) who played at Bethany College, and the daughter of the Rockets’ assistant coach Lisa Olson.

“One thing that Morgan has that is an advantage is that her mom is a coach and so, early on, she was there on the practice scene for volleyball,” Rockets coach Ron Headlee said. “Her sisters also were on the court when she was younger, so growing up in that type of environment helped her become the player she is today.”

That player is an athlete who loves volleyball and thinks about it 24/7.

“I love it,” said Olson, out of breath, but smiling, after the first few seconds of her team’s practice. “I live and breathe and sleep this game all day. It’s been part of my life for a long time.”

Filling the position of setter for the Rockets, Olson provides the spark that middle hitter Culp will deliver with a powerful spike to their opponents.

Both players are three-year starters and have been playing the sport since Jefferson-Morgan’s middle school team was created five years ago.

Culp noted the importance of Olson’s abilities.

“I rely heavily on Morgan,” said Culp. “She is a good player and a good hustler on the team. She knows how to talk and get the younger girls motivated.”

Culp has her own advantage, according to Headlee.

“She’s definitely one of the best players up front in the WPIAL,” said Headlee. “She has the height advantage which helps her out and makes it obviously difficult for any team to get much offensive production on us.”

Culp believes her height motivates her teammates and strives to use it to the best of her ability.

“I always give 100 percent,” said Culp. “I’m fortunate enough to have the height, so when you have that type of advantage you want to do everything you can to help your team win.”

Competitiveness was something that Culp’s older brothers taught her.

“I have two older brothers and they never let me give up,” said Culp. “They always taught me to be competitive and give it all I can.”

Olson described Culp as a great player and trusted teammate.

“She is a great athlete and teammate,” said Olson. “I trust her and depend on her a lot in games. She is strong and plays hard up front. You couldn’t ask for anyone better.”

Headlee said that both players bring different assets to a veteran team comprised of nine seniors.

“Morgan is a great athlete,” said Headlee. “She’s not afraid to give it her all and play with everything she has. It’s those abilities that resulted in being voted as one of our team captains. Mabel is the cautious player. She makes every opportunity count.”

But it’s the combination that puts the grin on Headlee’s face when talking about his team’s goals for the season.

“They are both good players,” said Headlee. “I know they want to win especially as seniors and will give it their all to do so.”