In many sports, star athletes excel playing at one position.

Not so for Panther Valley volleyball player Morgan Orsulak, who was outstanding at three positions on the court.

Her dynamic performances have earned her the recognition of being this year’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Volleyball Player of the Year.

As a setter, an outside hitter, and a middle blocker, Orsulak led the Panthers to a 22-5-3 record this past season, a runner-up in the Schuylkill League tournament and a quarterfinal finish in the District 11 post season play.

Since she has been a starter for the past three years, Panther Valley boasts an overall record of 53-11-4.

Orsulak gained her love for the sport in her younger years.

“I tried volleyball out when I was in the sixth grade,” she said, “and I really liked the competitiveness of it and the friendship I made with other players.”

She now stands at 5’11” tall, which is certainly as asset at all three positions, but given the choice, she prefers playing outside hitter.

“That puts me at the net where I can get a lot of kill shots.”

Speaking of kill shots, Orsulak said her favorite moment this season was against a powerhouse Pottsville team, who went on to become the eventual league champions.

“The score was tied in the deciding game and I got a kill to give us the lead,” she said. “We scored the next point and won the match. It was a really big win for us.”

Orsulak said her favorite match was a sweep over arch-rival Marian in the home gym.

“I think I was at my best that night,” she said. “The adrenalin was flowing, and I felt I could do just about anything to help our team win.”

That ability to “do just about anything” has enabled Orsulak to compile an impressive resume of statistics. This year, she had 74 service aces, 280 kills, 26 blocks, and 144 digs to keep balls off the floor and in play. Adding 324 assists to her career total resulted in her earning her 1,000th assist this season.

PV Coach Emily Baker lauded her junior player, a relationship that goes back to junior high school.

“I coached Morgan when she was in the seventh and eighth grade, so I’ve witnessed her steady growth in the game that has earned her this recognition,” Baker said. “She excels at hitting the ball. She runs our offense, and when I call different plays to hit the ball toward the weakest part of an opponent’s defense, she sees the court so well, she knows exactly where to hit it. Morgan is a tremendous leader, too, and gets her teammates to always play their best.”

Despite losing to Bethlehem Catholic in this year’s District quarters, Baker believes her star player had an outstanding performance.

“She left it all on the court that night,” Baker said.

Orsulak is no newcomer to receiving awards and accolades, having been selected to the All Schuylkill League, All District, and All State Volleyball Teams.

She also stars on the Panther Valley basketball team, and recently scored 28 points, her personal best, in a victory over Minersville.

Orsulak doesn’t see herself as a volleyball superstar. In fact, she measures her game performances as a work in progress. “I put a lot of effort into improving my abilities, both physically and mentally,” she said. “I want to get better at setting the ball to my teammates so they can have good chances to score points. I also want to elevate my confidence, and believe in my potential to become a better volleyball player than I am now.”

“Morgan is very willing to be coached to the highest level of her game,” said Baker. “She’s a terrific player already, but she wants to learn more about positioning and how to help make her teammates better. That said, she is very deserving of this award.”

There remain more lofty goals for this accomplished athlete to achieve.

Next season, Orsulak will be a foundational piece on the Panther Valley volleyball team.

With the graduation this June of three starting seniors, there will be even more expectations for Orsulak personally, and for her contributions to her team’s success.

“Get better” is her theme once the Panthers open their season next fall, and Orsualk intends to set the bar higher.

“I want to improve my all-around game from what it is now, and be a better teammate, and be less hard on myself if I’m not playing well.”

With a younger team, Orsulak looks forward to embracing her leadership role.

“We still will have the goal to be very competitive in the league and play in the post season,” she said.

Orsulak still has another year left before her after-high school life falls into place.

“I would love to play volleyball in college,” she said, “and I have been talking to a few coaches at that level. I’m not exactly sure as to what I want to do academically, but I’m leaning toward majoring in early childhood education. I really like working with young kids.”

Both in the classroom and on the court, Orsulak is preparing to add another year of accomplishments to her growing list of achievements.

But for now, Morgan Orsulak can enjoy being named Times News Volleyball Player of the Year.