Morgan Fussell 

Hometown: Blairsville, GA 

High School: Union County High School 

Major: Human Development and Family Studies 

Year: Senior 

Sport(s): Women's Volleyball

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona? 

I loved the small campus atmosphere here. I emailed the head coach of the women's volleyball program at the time. When I came for a tour, we sat down and he offered me a spot on the volleyball team, awarding me the chance to play at the collegiate level, which is something I never thought was possible.  

How did you get your start in your sport? 

My older cousin played volleyball for a little while and I attended a volleyball camp. Then, my high school started its program when I was in 8th grade. When I went into high school, I tried out and made the team. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far? 

Some of my favorite memories include winning the AMCC Championship in 2023 and 2024. Through my involvement with Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), I was able to attend the 2025 NCAA Convention and represent the AMCC and Penn State Altoona as the SAAC President. As a part of SAAC, we have to attend AMCC SAAC meetings in the fall and spring. During my freshman year, I attended the meeting at Penn State Behrend where I met my now fiancé. 

Do you have any mentors or role models at Penn State Altoona? If so, how have they helped you improve as a person? 

I don't necessarily have any mentors or role models here, but I do see how much the staff, athletics administration, coaches, and faculty care for students here at Penn State Altoona. I would want them to know how much they have made me into the person I am today, and I wouldn't be in the place I am now without them. 

Outside of sports, what do you hope to accomplish during your time at Penn State Altoona? 

I hope to leave a lasting impression on people, not because of anything big I accomplish academically or athletically, but because of the way I make them feel. I want to be someone who encourages, listens, and helps others feel seen. 

What career role would you like to have in the future? How is Penn State Altoona helping you reach that goal? 

I would like to be a Mental Health Counselor for student-athletes. Through Penn State Altoona, I am able to get a degree that will help me on my path to my future career. College also opened my eyes to the need for better mental health services, especially at the D3 level. 

What advice would you give to a freshman student-athlete? 

Don't limit yourself in the things you THINK you can achieve. College provides so many opportunities, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of every single one. I never thought that what I am doing in the future would be the path I would take in life.  

Rapid Fire 

-Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Nebraska Volleyball 

-Who is your favorite professional athlete? Ilona Maher 

-Do you have any pregame rituals? This season, I have only worn my hair in a braided ponytail. 

-Altoona Pizza: yay or nay? Never had it and never will 

-What is your go-to order at Port Sky? Anything on the breakfast menu, the salad bar, or the sushi. 

-Outside of playing sports, what are your hobbies? Scrapbooking, watch movies, read, and shopping 

-What would your teammates say you are famous for doing? My celebrations after a good stuff block or an amazing kill.