Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Makeda Morris

Senior Makeda Morris did not envision her senior year of volleyball having so many obstacles. As a fall sport, girl’s volleyball was moved to the spring and the season was shortened. To compound the issue, the varsity and JV teams were forced to quarantine for 10 days after only 5 matches into the season. Fortunately for head coach Adam Thurlwell and the Wolves, Makeda’s shining personality and willingness to give more of herself than need be has helped them get back on track, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

This senior middle hitter started playing volleyball competitively about 10 years ago. “I competed in basketball and soccer and enjoyed it, but I just really seemed to like volleyball more,” says Makeda.

Head coach Adam Thurlwell could tell early on there was something special about Makeda. “When I first met Makeda as a freshman, the effort and positive attitude were already a staple in who she was,” says Adam. He goes on to add, “Thinking back to the timid young lady I met at camp four years ago until now, she still embodies that same effort, energy, and great attitude and has grown considerably with her volleyball skills. Makeda models what a student-athlete should strive to be.”

Makeda’s personality comes through almost immediately after meeting her, with her infectious laugh and a big smile. Makeda’s mother, LeeKeasha Morris, has watched Makeda use her personality to help her mature as a person and find her life’s calling.

“Volleyball has expanded Makeda’s sense of family and community,” says LeeKeasha. She goes on to add, “OE has allowed her to blossom and has allowed her to work with special needs students during physical education class. She’s always been great with children, and working with children that need assistance has increased her joy and sense of purpose.”

For the past two years, Makeda has been a part of the physical education program, a class that is a mix of general education students and students from the Life Skills Program at Oswego East. The general education students help the students who are a part of the Life Skills Program complete activities and provide an opportunity for socialization.

Shay Brown, Makeda’s collaborative physical education teacher, believes Makeda is a big part of why the program has been so successful in its first two years, saying, “Makeda is one of our “buddies” or leaders.” She goes on to add, “Makeda is a constant motivator, encouraging students to do their best and try all of our activities. She is willing to help and work with any student who walks in the door. We were so happy she chose to return this year, as the students just love having her around. She has helped show our new leaders this year what to expect and how to interact with students in the Life Skills program.”

Makeda’s plan post-high school is to attend Waubonsee Community College for two years before transferring to Norfolk St University, a school which both of her parents attended. There she plans on majoring in psychology before getting her certification to teach special education. Shay believes Makeda will thrive as a special education teacher, saying, “Makeda’s ability to connect with people will make her successful in whatever career she chooses. In particular, with the students in the life skills program, Makeda’s ability to listen and have kindness and empathy towards them shows me she will succeed.”

With only a month left as a high school student, Makeda and her teammates are hoping to leave the volleyball program on a high note. Because of the shortened season and forced quarantine, the team goal is to, “create a positive energy and have a high level of communication,” says Makeda.

Although this season is not the one the group envisioned, ending on a high note and consistently finding ways to improve will prepare those that are returning for the fall and those that are moving on for life after high school. As Makeda says, “I feel like the results will show if you put in the work and do not try to be a perfectionist, but rather, strive for greatness.” She also advises future Wolves to take advantage of the opportunities offered by OE, saying, “Try to attend as many activities, games, and social events as you can, and make sure you complete all of your work because it can catch up on you.” Makeda will no doubt continue to strive for greatness after high school, and will undoubtedly continue being a beacon of light for those around her.