Courtney Fitzgerald didn't expect to feel an immediate connection to Morehead State. But from her first visit to campus, she knew there was something special about the Eagles. "From the minute I stepped on campus, Morehead felt like home," she said. "The sense of family and love within the team made me feel like I was already a part of the program on my visit."
Fitzgerald, a libero from Cincinnati, found everything she needed in Morehead State—the right distance from home, the right people, and the right culture. "I am not just a player or defined by my stats," she said. "I am free to be the best version of myself from the start."
Morehead State became the perfect fit not just for her, but for her family, too. "The community of Morehead is so welcoming that my parents love this place," she said. "My dad has even adopted the name 'The Mayor' within the team as a joke."
The recruiting process didn't go the way Fitzgerald expected. "When I started it, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted from a school, and I ended up being completely wrong," she said. She imagined herself in a big city or by the beach, but realized she wanted to stay close to her family. Morehead State offered the perfect balance—close enough that her parents could attend every home game, and far enough for her to grow on her own.
Her parents haven't missed a home game since she arrived. "As a senior I can confidently say my parents have not missed a home game and I could count the fingers on my hand of the away games they have even missed," she said. That support—and the program's family atmosphere—made all the difference.
Fitzgerald's love for volleyball shows in the way she talks about the game. "Games are my all-time favorite thing," she said. "I love to compete, and I love to get so excited for my team and for the good things we do."
As a libero, she finds joy in the fundamentals. "The best feeling in the entire world is simply just to get a good pass or dig so my setter can set the attackers," she said. "I treat the easy balls just as the hard ones. I obviously love making a tough play, but the simple ones are just as important."
Her favorite moments aren't always her own—they're her teammates'. "During a game, I love getting hype for my teammates' successes," Fitzgerald said. "Whether a hitter slams a ball or someone gets a stuff block, you know I am jumping up and down with excitement."
For her, volleyball is about celebrating with the people she loves. "The most rewarding thing in volleyball is to celebrate with your team," she said. "The game could not be played without every player working together; therefore, doing my part in making the team successful motivates me to be better every day."
Last season stands out as one of Fitzgerald's favorites. "Last year was one of my all-time favorite seasons of volleyball I have ever played," she said. "Even if the season was not as successful as it was, I would still have the same answer."
It wasn't just the wins—it was the people. "The team, the culture, the work ethic, and the genuine love and care for each teammate is what made it so enjoyable," she said. "Practice was fun and games were a blast."
Now, she's excited for what's ahead. "We have returners, and we also have many new faces on the team," she said. "I am so excited to see what our new squad will do this season."
Her hopes for the year are simple and meaningful. "I am hoping at the end of the season no matter what happens, we know we gave it all with the people we love," she said. "I hope at the end I have built lasting friendships that will carry on after volleyball is done." And, of course, she added with a laugh, "I am hoping for a healthy and successful season, and obviously a ring!"
Fitzgerald's pregame routine is a mix of faith, fun, and a little bit of superstition. "Before a game, I typically don't like to be too serious until I need to for warm-ups and game time," she said. "Many people find this weird, but I like to listen to slow and sad music before games. It really gets me going for some reason."
She always takes a moment to pray. "Praying calms my nerves and gets me in the right mindset for a match," she said. And she keeps things light with her teammates. "I really just like to chat and be silly with my teammates before a match," she said. "I like to take my time, have a fun energy drink, and joke around with my friends. I play better when it's light-hearted."
Sometimes, nerves get the best of her—but she takes it in stride. "I do get nervous, so Pepto-Bismol may sometimes be a part of my routine," she joked.
If she had a walk-up song, Fitzgerald said it would be between "...Ready For It?" by Taylor Swift and "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. "Two very different songs; however, if you knew me, it would make sense," she said.
This summer, Fitzgerald had the opportunity of a lifetime with the AVCA in Africa. "Africa was truly the most amazing experience ever," she said. "I still cannot believe I went on that trip."
She spent time in Tanzania and Kenya, playing local teams, coaching youth clinics, and exploring. "The tour included playing local African teams, coaching youth clinics, sightseeing, and much more," she said. "It was truly a life-changing experience."
The clinics were the highlight. "Coaching at the youth clinics and connecting with the African children was the best part," she said. "We are so fortunate for the things and resources we have. Seeing how excited the kids were to learn volleyball was so refreshing."
She even brought Morehead State shirts for the kids she connected with most. "They are repping the volleyball Eagles over in Africa!" she said.
The experience changed her perspective. "The friendships, memories, and lessons from this journey will stay with me forever," she said.
When younger players ask for advice, Fitzgerald keeps it real. "Don't get caught up with all the shiny things that can come along with a Division I program," she said. "Instead look at a program or division level where you feel like you can truly be yourself and not just grow as a player but as a woman."
She believes being a good teammate matters as much as talent. "Coaches notice the players that cheer their teammates on and bring the team up," she said. "Be a player that a coach wants in their program not just for the skills, but for the positive energy, excitement, and support you can bring to the team."
Fitzgerald is studying exercise science and sees a future in helping others. "I am confident that I want to help and care for others in some way," she said. "I want to be fulfilled with my job and know I am making a difference no matter what I do."
Her mom, Robyn, has been her biggest role model. "She treats everyone with kindness and grace, and I do my best to be like her every day," Fitzgerald said. "She has truly shaped me into the person and even player I am today from the love and support throughout the years."
And for anyone searching the internet, there's one more fun fact. "There may be a video of me singing on YouTube at 6 years old," she said, laughing. "Before I really knew how to read, I knew the entire song 'My Heart Will Go On' by Celine Dion."
Whether she's making a perfect pass, leading a clinic in Africa, or hyping up her teammates,
Courtney Fitzgerald is exactly where she's meant to be—at home, with the people she loves, playing the game that makes her happiest.
