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Q&A: Ella Vogel has Cape Central on the cusp of a district championship
Blistering kills are Ella Vogel’s favorite.
Cape Central’s senior outside hitter has a tendency of making liberos nervous when her 6-foot-1 frame begins to elevate at the net, her eyes locked on a floating pass from one of her trusty setters.
Vogel often proceeds to hammer a volleyball off the hardwood or the sore hands of a helpless defender, a scoring sequence seen hundreds of times by coach Haley Silman.
Her 22 kills against a talented Fredericktown squad earlier this month was a relatively common output.
Similar efforts have the Tigers playing in the first Class 4 District I championship game of her decorated career
Cape Central (13-11-1) hosts Farmington (23-5-1) Tuesday in a 6 p.m. match.
Vogel, one of the most talented hitters in the region, wants to extend her final season with a senior-heavy class that includes Malayna McAllister, Madison Thomas, Sophia Sapp, Elizabeth Ogburn and Ava Nelson.
The Murray State commit recently spoke with the Southeast Missourian about her final stretch run.
Collingwood: Well, Ella, you’re in a position to potentially hoist your first district championship trophy. How does it feel to get there?
Vogel: It’s awesome. I’m really excited. I’m encouraging my team to play like we did in the first district game (a sweep of Fredericktown). We played so well together. I really, really want to win districts.
This game appears to be a passion for you. What’s your favorite thing about it?
I love volleyball. I could never get sick of it. I could play it for the rest of my life. I love killing the ball, hitting it. It’s so much fun. It’s a team sport and I love stepping into that leadership role, and it’s fun to play with my friends.
There’s a group of six seniors, four who start. I imagine you’re a pretty close group?
We’re all a really, really close group of friends. When we started districts I said “Guys, I’m not going to have this be my last high school game,” and that got us going. We’re all trying to play the best way possible, whether that’s win or play amazing in a tough loss, but obviously we want to win.
You’ve had a standout basketball career, too. Were you previously considering playing college basketball? Your father, 6-foot-7 Randy Vogel, played basketball at Central University in Iowa, so we know where the height comes from.
My freshman and sophomore year I was very undecided if I wanted to play either volleyball or basketball in college. But last year, my junior year, I decided on volleyball. It kind of clicked during that club season. I was recruited by SEMO to play basketball — and my basketball coach said other schools liked me, too —but I thought volleyball would be the best choice.
Many folks are aware of your two primary sports. Is there a third they should know about?
I haven’t played a spring sport in the past, but this year I might because I won’t be playing basketball. I might do swim or track, I don’t know yet. So much is up in the air.
You’re headed to the Ohio Valley Conference for college, so you won’t be too far away from home in Murray, Kentucky. What was it you liked about Murray State?
Their coaching staff had been in contact with me since the beginning of my junior season, and I like them a lot. When I went on a recruiting visit, everything kind of clicked for me. I loved all the girls and the way they did things and the way they practiced. The environment was friendly, open and comforting. Their campus is pretty and has a good biology program.