Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Tatum Hull, CJI Volleyball

The District 7C is arguably the toughest conference among Class C volleyball conferences again this season. Every year, the schools that make up the district face challenge after challenge against their district opponents. Anything can happen and everything can be tipped on its head at any moment, a fact that hasn't slowed down even during the COVID-19 concern. But there are athletes who thrive from that environment, including a certain player along the Hi-Line.

Chester-Joplin-Inverness junior Tatum Hull has been playing volleyball since sixth grade and is now currently in her third year with the Hawks. Hull is a three-sport athlete at CJI, with her other two sports being girls basketball in the winter and track in the spring, making her a busy student-athlete for the Hawks.

But in the fall season, volleyball is an exhilarating sport, which is something that Hull thrives off of on the court.

"I love when we make a big play when a rally is going on," Hull said. "When we win the rally, everyone just gets excited and is in the middle together, hyping each other up."

In her time with CJI, Hull has made a strong impact on the court. The young athlete puts in a lot of effort to help the Hawks push forward in a tough 7C. Hull has honed her skills and worked hard to make a difference against teams like Fort Benton, Big Sandy, Chinook and North Star, who all have allowed Hull the opportunity to gain a lot of grit on the court.

And as the season goes on, Hull keeps up the pace and keeps that fire burning on the hardwood. There is no stopping for Hull in 2020, even when obstacles stand in her way. It takes a strong athlete to stay on course in such a tough district, but Hull makes it look easy.

With the season still going strong, Hull has been working toward the goals she has set.

"My goals are to learn to play to win and not to play to not lose," Hull said. "There is a difference between the two. Our team really needs to focus on that. We need to get big wins because those just get everyone going."

Hull is not only an excellent athlete, but a stellar student, too. Her work ethic from her home life, farm life and school life reflect onto the court. Hull is outgoing, strong-willed and makes sure that every moment is her best. Even though COVID-19 is a looming threat in today's sports world, Hull does not let it affect her performance wherever she is.

And Hull shared her thoughts on what it has been like playing in the COVID-19 era.

"Honestly, it hasn't been as bad as I had thought," Hull said. "We've had a couple of scares, but we've made it through it. Honestly, I think it is going as well as it can."

Hull still has some time left with the Hawks, but she will look to soar high on the court in her high school volleyball career, especially in her next game, but before that day arrives, the Havre Daily News caught up with Hull remotely for five questions.

HDN: What are your hobbies outside of sports?

Hull: "I don't do a whole lot but sports. I usually go work out on the farm with my dad, the cows and stuff like that. I'm student-coaching our junior high boys basketball since our season got pushed back to December, so I've kind of been dealing with that, too."

HDN: What are your future goals with CJI volleyball?

Hull: "Probably to keep everyone in the gym and keep working at it. We want to stay as safe as possible with COVID-19 going on. I want to just keep everyone's mindset to keep going and to not quit."

HDN: What is it like playing in the District 7C?

Hull: "The 7C, personally, I think is one of the toughest districts. It is a lot of fun. You never know who is going to come out there, like an unexpected team can come out of nowhere, so you have to be ready to play not matter what. That goes for the good teams, too. It's so fun playing with all the good athletes in the district."

HDN: What is your favorite memory with CJI volleyball?

Hull: "I would honestly say my favorite memory was definitely last year when we were down 2-0 against Chinook at our senior night and we ended up wining the last three sets. That was probably the coolest thing ever."

HDN: What are your college plans?

Hull: "As of now, I'm unsure. I was looking to go into physical therapy. I'm not sure if I'm going to play a sport or not. I'm kind of looking into it, but not too much yet because I'm not sure what sport I'll play."