By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – When Thompson High School senior Morganne Jones started training at Southern Performance Volleyball Academy three years ago, she had one goal in mind.

“When she came to us three years ago, she came in and I asked her what her goals were for volleyball,” said Southern Performance College Prep Director Julie Dailey. “She said, ‘This is crazy, but I’d like to play college ball.’ I told her, ‘I don’t think that’s crazy at all.’

“She has worked so hard, and she has made massive sacrifices training year-round to get to the point that she’s at,” Dailey added. “On top of being such a great person, she has become a phenomenal volleyball player that a Division I school like Southern Miss has chosen. This is exactly what God wants you to do.”

Surrounded by family, friends, school leaders and coaches, Jones solidified her college choice by signing a scholarship with Southern Mississippi during an April 20 ceremony in the THS library.

“This has always been a dream of mine. I’m very, very thankful for everyone that has been a part of my life and helped me get to where I am today,” Jones said. “Big thanks to Southern Performance, coach Dailey, and of course my family and God. I’m so grateful to be here, and I’m so thankful to play in college. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

This season, Jones is playing for the 18 National team at Southern Performance, and has so far recorded 58 service aces, 134 digs, 31 assists and 12 kills. In the past three years, she has amassed 242 service aces, 561 digs, 146 assists and 49 kills.

“It’s a dream come true for Morganne and her family. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into making this moment today,” said THS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester. “We are proud of you, and we are proud that you are a Thompson Warrior and have represented us very well. Keep up the good work, and we wish you the very best.”