My name is Patrick Morgan. I am the captain of the Men’s Volleyball team and if you did not know this is our inaugural season. The C.O.R.E value of the year is excellence and our team defines excellence as “performing to the best of our ability.” We strive to perform everything to the best of our ability wherever we are on campus whether that be in practice, in the game, in the classroom, or even around campus socializing with our fellow classmates and friends. We always strive to live a life of excellence as individuals and as a team.

Since we are a first year team in a very competitive conference, we cannot necessarily define excellence or our success by the win column but there are tons of others ways this team shows excellence. We show excellence through our perseverance, passion and heart. Competing with well-established and nationally ranked teams is not the idea situation for a first year program but it has taught us a never give up attitude. In the words of Rocky Balboa, “it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” No matter how tough times are, we constantly keep fighting and pushing to get better and better after every game and practice. For this team, the toughness we display day in and day out is how excellence looks.

In order to build a culture of excellence for Neumann Men’s Volleyball, this team has to carry over every skill and lesson for future teams. To the freshmen on the team, my wish is for you is to continue year after year and carry the heart and passion that has started here at Neumann University with this current team. If we continue to strive for excellence by our passion, our resilience, and our dedication, I promise you good things are to come for this program!