Megan Harrell had a front-row seat for the Notre Dame High School volleyball team’s magical run to the Class 1A state championship last season.
Only it wasn’t the view Harrell wanted to have.
Harrell, then a junior, was ineligible to play for the Nikes last fall. She was sitting out the required 90 days after transferring from Illini West High School in Carthage, Illinois.
So while her teammates were busy winning a state championship, Harrell was busy being arguably the best junior-varsity volleyball player in the state.
More: All eyes are on defending state high school volleyball champion Notre Dame this season
Harrell, after putting together a stellar basketball season for the Nikes, is making up for lost time on the volleyball court this fall.
Through 33 matches, Harrell has helped the top-ranked Nikes to a 27-6 record, including a 5-0 record in the SEI Superconference South Division.
Harrell, who splits time at middle hitter with junior Abby Korschgen, is averaging 1.2 kills on .291 hitting efficiency, to go along with 0.4 blocks and 0.9 digs per set. She has been successful on 142-of-164 serves (86.6 percent) with 20 aces.
In six matches last week on the Nikes’ road to their first conference tournament championship, Harrell had 23 kills and four blocks and was 32-of-36 (88.8 percent) serving with two aces.
More: High school volleyball: Notre Dame wrests crown from Holy Trinity
The Hawk Eye recently caught up with Harrell, The Hawk Eye’s Prep Athlete of the Week, to learn a little bit more about her.
What is your favorite sport besides volleyball?
“My favorite sport is basketball.”
What is it that you like about volleyball?
“I like how every single player on a volleyball court has a major role.”
What is your best memory in volleyball?
“My best memory is winning conference this year and watching the girls to go state last year.”
What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“I like how my teammates always push me to be better, the friendships I make, and the gratification of working together for the win.”
What is the best part about competing?
“The best part of competing is watching everything we have worked on in practice come together on game days.”
How do you and your teammates make practice fun?
“We make practice fun by joking around with each other.”
Who is your biggest role model and why?
“My biggest role model is my Grandpa because he is my biggest supporter and always has something for me to work on.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“My favorite subject in school is science because all areas of science have always interested me.”
What is your favorite meal?
“My favorite meal is steak, mashed potatoes, and corn.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“My favorite TV show is Yellowstone.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?
“In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.”
What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?
“My favorite quote is Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What are your future plans for college and career?
“I am attending Quincy University to play basketball and major in pre-dental.”
What is something about yourself that would surprise people?
“Something that would surprise some people is I show cattle.”
