WH’s Houston inks with Morningside
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
It only took one visit, and once she stepped foot on campus, the decision was as easy as a a cross court slam.
West Harrison senior Maclayn Houston signed her letter of intent in February, as she committed to Morningside University (Sioux City) to play college volleyball.
“The decision process was pretty easy after making the college visit,” stated Houston. “I knew that’s where I wanted to go, as I would be able to pursue both my major as well as my passion.”
The senior outside hitter started taking a serious look at her post-high school career once the volleyball season concluded back in October, 2023. She stated she wasn’t’ ready to be done playing competitively, as she has been passionate with the sport since she started playing club volleyball.
“I was taking a look at three schools,” Houston stated. “I looked at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln), but I would just be going to school. Buena Vista (Storm Lake) heavily pursued me, but they didn’t have the academic program I was looking for. But Morningside was too good to turn down, as I knew they would allow me to pursue both. I knew after talking with the coach, I knew I wanted to be a part of the program.”
Houston has been a three-sport standout for the Hawkeyes the past three years, as she has netted several Rolling Valley All-Conference honors and Iowa Girls Coaches Association All-District honors.
“I’m as competitive as they come, and each of the different sports helps push me in a different way,” stated Houston. “Volleyball rose to the top for me, as I feel I excel in it more than the other sports I participate in. It’s one of my favorites, because I like how team-orientated it is, and all the thrilling experiences it gives me. It started with my club teams, and developed the older and more competitive I became. It’s fun working in one-system as one unit with six players with the same driven mentality.”
Houston enjoyed watching her older brothers (Trenton and Ty) compete, both in the driveway, and for the West Harrison Hawkeyes. She admired their fierce competitiveness, determination and drive.
“My mom (Amy Stolz) served as the assistant coach for my high school team, and she was with me every step of the way. She gave me advice whenever I asked for it, and was with me every step of the decision process. I found Morningside was going to allow me to do both, including my passion for volleyball and pursuing my educational goals.”
Houston, the daughter of Amy Stolz and the late Eric Houston, plans on majoring in the nursing field once she reaches the Morningside campus.
“It’s a relief to have the decision process completed, and I’m very happy with where my next life adventure is taking me,” Houston concluded. “It was an exciting feeling on signing day, and I’m ready to accept the next challenge and see what I can do. I’m most looking forward to playing competitively with girls who have the same passion and drive like I do, and Im ready to see what I can do at the next level.”
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WH’s Maclayn Houston Volleyball
School Records ( 2021 – 2023 )
SINGLE MATCH
Most Solo Blocks: Maclayn Houston 5.
Most Digs: Maclayn Houston 42.
Most Kills: Maclayn Houston 37.
Most Kill Attempts: Maclayn Houston 76.
SINGLE SEASON
Most Digs: Maclayn Houston 330
Most Kills: Maclayn Houston 291.
Most Kill Attempts: Maclayn Houston 656.
CAREER
Most Kills: Maclayn Houston 764.
Most Kill Attempts: Maclayn Houston 1,892.
Best Kill Err: Maclayn Houston 332.
