Morton Signs Professional Contract
7/28/2010 11:51:47 AM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse volleyball standout Sarah Morton has signed a professional volleyball contract with Saint Raphael of the French Pro A League - the highest level of professional volleyball in France.
Morton, a 6-1 middle blocker, capped off her illustrious collegiate career by establishing herself as the best blocker ever to don the Orange. Morton set SU career records in solo blocks (196), block assists (458), total blocks (654) and blocks per set (1.35) during her senior season. The Burnt Hills, N.Y. native also set single-season records for total blocks and blocks per set (1.55) in 2009 and owns the single-season record for solo blocks (72), which she set in 2007.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue my volleyball career,” Morton said. “My teammates and coaches during my four years at Syracuse definitely helped me improve my game each year to the point that I'm now ready to go play at the next level.”
As a senior co-captain, Morton led the Orange at the net both offensively and defensively, leading the NCAA in total blocks (186) and solo blocks (52) through the entire 13 weeks of the season, while ranking fourth nationally with 1.55 blocks per set. Morton led the Orange with 379 kills, averaging 3.16 kills per set and ranked fifth in the BIG EAST with 4.46 points per set average. A two-time first team All-BIG EAST honoree, Morton earned CVU.com Blocker of the Year honors following the 2009 season.
After being invited to the U.S. National Team tryout in Colorado, Morton connected with an agent to pursue the possibility of playing overseas. She garnered interest from teams throughout Europe and ultimately the decision came down to France and Germany. Morton chose to join Saint Raphaels, based in the south of France.
“I decided on France because it will be a new experience for me,” Morton said. “I've already been to Germany and was looking for something different. Saint Raphael, France is right on the water and I've heard it's a beautiful area. It's also in a pretty central location which will allow me to do some traveling in my free time.”
Off the court, Morton also excelled in the classroom and in the community during her four years at Syracuse. A three-time BIG EAST All-Academic selection, Morton was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll all eight semesters at Syracuse. In May, Morton was announced as the 2010 Soladay Award winner, the highest honor for a Syracuse student-athlete. She graduated with a degree in health and wellness.
Morton is scheduled to leave for France on August 15 and will report to Saint Raphael's pre-season camp on August 17. The first match is mid-September and Morton is on contract with the team through May.
“Sarah Morton stood out in her four years at Syracuse as an outstanding volleyball player,” head coach Jing Pu said. “Her physical height and athletic ability place her among the top players in the game. During her career here she made meaningful improvements in her consistency and experience. I'm very glad to see that she will continue to play at the next level in Europe and I look forward to seeing her have new success this upcoming season.”
Check back to SUAthletics.com for updates on Morton throughout the year.
