Morgan Janda is determined to make the most of her final semester in college and become the school's first dual-sport athlete in 10 years. | Provided by University of California Athletics
When graduate student volleyball star Morgan Janda transferred to Houston in 2022, she was thinking of giving up on her high jump career. JAnda was previously a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and track and field at Sam Houston State University. In 2022, Morgan transferred to Houston, where he played only on the court for the final two years, expecting to see more on the court.
So, through a chance encounter with Cal State athletics director Will Blackburn, she became Houston's first dual-sport athlete since Tyus Bowser in football and basketball in 2013-2014.
“When I first got here, I was off the track for a year.” Janda said. “I was in my advisor's office and Coach Blackburn said, 'Don't you want to make the jump to college?'” I think it just kind of fell into my lap. ”
Janda began preparing for the season by working with jump coach Drew Futch to find a smooth transition from volleyball to jumping.
“In volleyball as a setter, quick lateral movements are important. When you high jump, you jump as high as you can,” Morgan said. “Our coaches say that many volleyball players are good at high jumping because the approach is the same and they can do it easily.”
Coach Futch praised Janda when talking about her skills as a jumper, highlighting her poise and years of experience competing at a high level.
“When you go from a team sport like volleyball to high jump, it's just you.” Futch said, “Coaching Morgan has been rewarding. She's experienced, but she's not a freshman. The biggest takeaway has been her perseverance and she's a great athlete.”
Beyond Janda's advanced athletic ability, her personality is a constant trait that stands out to her college teammates and coaching staff. Kate Georgiades, a Houston graduate student and star volleyball player, attested to Janda's overall mindset as a teammate and friend. Kate is also Morgan's roommate, and they both have similar paths, contributing to their friendship and trust. Georgiades transferred to UH from TCU in 2021, and Janda came to Houston from Sam Houston in 2022.
“We were related to each other,” Georgiades said. “At our previous school, we both lost our love for volleyball, but we found it again when we came to UC.”
Janda's love for the court directly influenced her return to track, her final athletic opportunity in college.graduate student She credits Cal State head volleyball coach David Lehr and Futch for their influence on her success.
“Coach Lehr took me in and helped me grow as an athlete. I felt like I reached my full potential when I was at Sam Houston,” Janda said. “He really cares about the person more than the athlete. He wants you to know that he will always be there for you…(Mr. Futch) Be very patient with the transition. He knew what he was talking about and helped me a lot. I couldn't have asked for a better coach to take me in for my final semester. ”
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