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WICHITA, Kan. — In a historic move for the program, Wichita State redshirt senior middle blocker Morgan Stout has made her mark on the volleyball landscape by being selected by the Vegas Thrill with the 25th overall pick in the highly anticipated Pro Volleyball Federation 2024 Draft on Monday. This monumental selection not only marks Shocker’s first-ever entry in the PVF draft but also distinguishes her as the only player from the American Athletic Conference to receive this honor.
The Pro Volleyball Federation, an exciting professional indoor volleyball league which successfully completed its inaugural season this year, showcases a competitive field consisting of eight dynamic teams: Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Indy Ignite, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo, and the Vegas Thrill, the franchise that claimed Stout’s talent.
Stout’s performance leading up to the draft was nothing short of remarkable, as she was recently honored as the Most Outstanding Player of the American Athletic Conference Championship, where she played a pivotal role in propelling the Shockers to three consecutive match sweeps, ultimately earning the championship title. Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated outstanding skills, averaging an impressive 4.67 points per set with a remarkable hitting percentage of .345, accumulating a team-high total of 35 kills. Additionally, Stout showcased her defensive strengths by leading her team with eight block assists and contributed three aces, including a match-winning ace during the quarterfinal contest against Tulsa. By the end of the tournament, Stout amassed a total of 42 points while achieving double-digit kills in all three matches.
The Fowler, Kansas native has been enjoying a stellar final season with the Shockers, showing off her prowess on the court. Just last week, she was named to the First Team All-American Athletic Conference, where she dominated as the national leader among middle blockers in kills per set at an impressive average of 3.16, while ranking second in points per set with 3.96, all while hitting a strong .319. Her conference play statistics were even more impressive, with averages of 3.46 kills per set and 4.38 points per set at an exceptional .343 hitting percentage. Notably, Stout enjoyed a remarkable streak during the regular season’s final nine matches, recording 13 kills or more in every outing, including outstanding performances of 20 kills twice, alongside one 22-kill and one career-high 23-kill match against UTSA in her last appearance.
Stout has also been recognized for her strong all-around game, recently earning a spot on the NCAA Volleyball Rotation of the Week after achieving consecutive kills-blocks double-doubles against opponents Memphis and UAB. This impressive performance led to her receiving one of two American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week Awards, further solidifying her status as a top competitor.
In addition to her scoring abilities, Stout has emerged as a significant threat from the service line, notching a remarkable 30 aces this season, a considerable jump from the 14 aces she accumulated over her first three seasons combined. Stout’s defensive contributions cannot be overlooked; she is averaging 0.99 blocks per set, boasting a career-high of 14 solo blocks along with an impressive 109 block assists. Additionally, she has broken her personal records in digs, totaling 107 digs and averaging 0.86 digs per set.
As the Shockers gear up for the upcoming postseason, excitement builds as they await their fate during the NCAA Volleyball Selection Show, set to air on Sunday, December 1 at 5:00 pm CT on ESPN. The tournament will kick off with its first and second rounds scheduled for Thursday, December 5 through Saturday, December 7, marking an exhilarating time for Stout and her team.
What inspired Morgan Stout to pursue a career in professional volleyball after her time at Wichita State?
**Interview with Morgan Stout, Redshirt Senior Middle Blocker, Wichita State Shockers**
**Interviewer**: Morgan, congratulations on being selected by the Vegas Thrill in the Pro Volleyball Federation Draft! This is a historic moment for both you and the Wichita State volleyball program. How does it feel to achieve this milestone?
**Morgan Stout**: Thank you so much! It feels amazing to be the first player from Wichita State to be drafted into the PVF. It’s a huge honor to be recognized like this, and I’m really excited to take this next step in my career.
**Interviewer**: You had an incredible performance during the American Athletic Conference Championship, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player. What do you think contributed to your success in that tournament?
**Morgan Stout**: I think it comes down to teamwork and preparation. We practiced so hard leading up to the tournament, and our coaching staff really helped us focus on our strategies. I was just doing my part on the court, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates. Scoring a team-high 35 kills and contributing in defense with block assists really felt great because it helped us sweep through the matches.
**Interviewer**: Your statistics during the tournament were impressive, averaging 4.67 points per set. Can you talk about your mindset going into those games?
**Morgan Stout**: My mindset was all about being proactive and aggressive. I wanted to make an impact whenever I was on the court, whether it was attacking or blocking. I remember really focusing on each point, trying to stay in the moment, and just playing my game. It was a fantastic experience to see it all come together.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, how do you prepare for this transition to the professional level with the Vegas Thrill?
**Morgan Stout**: I’m ready to work even harder. I know the level of play is going to be different, so I’ll need to focus on improving my skills and adapting to new challenges. I’m also excited to learn from experienced players in the league and bring what I’ve learned at Wichita State to the professional level.
**Interviewer**: what advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to reach professional volleyball one day?
**Morgan Stout**: My biggest piece of advice would be to stay dedicated and believe in yourself. There will be ups and downs along the way, but hard work really pays off. Take advantage of every opportunity, listen to your coaches, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. It’s a privilege to play!
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your time, Morgan! Best of luck with your new adventure in the Pro Volleyball Federation.
**Morgan Stout**: Thank you! I appreciate the support!
This interview captures Morgan Stout’s reflections on her achievements, her performance during the championships, and her outlook on her future in professional volleyball, all while celebrating a significant moment for the Wichita State program [[1](https://goshockers.com/news/2024/11/21/volleyball-preview-aac-championship.aspx)].
