Winter Park senior Morgan Morris has done her fair share of traveling. Morris was born in Winter Park but has lived in Bahrain, Okinawa, Japan, and California due to her dad's job with the military. When it was time to search for colleges she initially looked on the southern coast because of her passion for surfing and love of the beach. She realized college was much more important than location and expanded her search. The ultimate decision? The Coast Guard Academy.
It was her first letter from a college pertaining to running. She received it her sophomore year, but stored it away in her desk and forgot about it until it was time to choose a college. While researching schools online she found the Air Force Academy and then remembered about her letter from the Coast Guard. It was the only academy that didn't need a congressional letter of recommendation so she went ahead and applied. After reaching out to the coach and visiting the school Morris says she was ready to head to the New London, Connecticut school .
"I chose the Coast Guard Academy because it was so different and adventurous. I will run on the team., but I will be part of a new family. The school is so small and everyone goes through the same process if to transition from civilian life to military life. It's not for everyone and it's something slightly bittersweet since I've always been very close to my family. I am excited for the challenge."
The school is made up of 80 percent men, making women like Morris the minority. The statistics don't bother her though. She knows it will be interesting, but having grown up with a brother and living with a boy her whole life, she is hoping to make great friends. Morris adds that being a woman in the academy is something she takes pride in.
"It's not a common goal for woman. I will have to focus on not being materialistic and cooperating with the rules and show that being a woman there won't stop me from anything!"
The military backgrounds run in the family. Her grandpa flew fighter jets in World War 2. Her dad was artillery for Vietnam and her brother is a second lieutenant. She says she is very honored to receive this appointment and can't wait to continue the legacy and serve her country.
"There is so much respect to even wear the uniform. It will give me a new perspective for my fellow cadets and appreciation for all that have served. It also gives me a sense of importance. I'm always a multi-tasker and now I'll be going to college and serving my country simultaneously."
On the track, Morris has personal bests of 5:23.71 for 1600 meters, 11:57.79 for 3200 meters. She has also run 19:24.84 for 5k. She won't just have to overcome barriers as a female cadet, but in running as well. The senior will be the latest in a line of Winter Park athletes to compete in the steeple chase at the college level joining Nick Posada and John Lindsey. She says those two individuals helped show her the event and she is looking forward to having a great amount of competition at the next level.
"We are one of the few schools lucky enough to have a nice steeple pit and Nick and John were inspirational with their potential and willingness to try a new event. I am the only girl at Winter Park that runs steeple so it'll be nice to have teammates to help me train."
After college, Morris will serve four years of active duty and then five years of reserves with the idea of making a career out of it. She plans on majoring in marine and environment service. She says the discipline she has learned in track and field will help her in college.
"I have motivation to stay physically fit and to reach my goals through hard work. I've learned that even on your worst days you have to push through and train like you race. So, if I'm having a homesick day and feeling sore and tired of being yelled at I will have the ability to keep going and be gritty!"