News Archives: Kevin Morgan - Featured Athlete of the Week
Tuesday, October 1st, 2019
Name: Kevin Morgan
Jersey Number. Is there a story behind it? #10. My favorite player has the same number, Lionel Messi.
Hometown: Belfast, Northern Ireland
High School: Charles Spencer High School
At what age did you start playing your sport? What drew you to the game? I started playing competitively when I was 6 years old. I remember Sunday afternoons when soccer was on the T.V. and my dad and brother were screaming at chances a player had just missed I looked up to both of them so I wanted to be like them. I started taking an interest in the sport after experiencing Sundays like that.
What is your fondest memory of your sport? I remember playing in a tournament with my team in 2011, but all the team could think about was the champions league final that was being played that night; most of my friends were Manchester United fans but my dad introduced me to Barcelona and how they played. I remember watching Messi highlights before the final and wishing I could dribble like him. Barcelona won the final 3-1, I still watch the repeats of that final because the football played was amazing.
Any pre or post-game rituals that you would be willing to share? How do you prepare? Before a game, I usually put a shirt over my head so that everything’s dark and then think of everything I’ve done wrong during a game. Maybe it’s not the mindset to go into a game as it’s negative but it helps me realize what I can’t do and what to look out for. After the game, if we have lost I usually just think about what I could have done better and try to watch the video as soon as possible so I can fix my mistakes. If I win I usually do the same thing, no game is ever played perfectly there is always going to be at least one mistake to learn from.
What are your future goals? I plan to teach physical education in the future and maybe even coach. I couldn’t live without sport but I have to stop playing at some point but being close to sports as much as possible would make it easier to stop playing.
From Head Coach Chris Morgan:
Any special game moments, stats you’d like to share? Kevin rarely gets a mention in games and stats as he is one of those players that are consistently good who keeps the game simple and is the link between defense and offense. Kevin has been a vital component of the midfield in his rookie season last year and this year. He allows his teammates to take the plaudits and is a quiet unassuming young man both on and off the field.
What does this player bring to the dynamics of the team? Kevin shows great courage when he instigates the build-up play by receiving from the goalkeeper. He is always dependable, a solid passer who shows good vision and awareness in the midfield cauldron. Kevin’s forte is his tackling as he has the uncanny knack of winning the ball soundly. He has a quiet determination to succeed and is a real team player. Kevin is the quiet man of the team but is well respected by all his teammates.