Morgan Lietz '22 Recruiting Profile

I have two big brothers and keeping up with them since before I could remember was probably the first influence in my life. My mom tells me I went from crawling to running. I have always believed I was made for something competitive and physically challenging. Working toward that goal has never lessened the older I get.

Honestly, soccer has had the greatest impact on my life. Since I began at a local park district program at six years old, no other sport or activity my parents introduced to me could ever come close to the love I have for it. At first, it was the friends I made. Then it was the challenge. I love the competition, coaching, the pushing for the next skill. As I outgrew each level, we found a new place that was the next level. I learned to leave my friends behind for the love of the challenge to grow. I love the training, on the field, in the weight room, the scrimmaging and the competition.

Soccer has made me physically stronger of course, but it has made me mentally strong. I have been a starter and I have learned to be on the bench. Facing not only praise, but the correction and disappointment of coaches and teammates over the years has taught me to keep focused and push myself. I believe that I am the person who determines if I win that spot on the field. When other things in my life get hard, I know I have practice coming. I can just get out there and run and everything else in my life will just settle.

Good relationships with my family, friends, teachers, teammates, and coaches are a priority for me. I am definitely a people person. I will make you laugh, and I am supportive. It is very important for me to be true to myself. I can’t fake it. I am okay with being the only person who thinks a certain way or does something differently. I enjoy proving someone wrong. I am naturally motivated by these situations.

What does not come easily to me are academics. I have to work very hard in school. I take advantage of every resource available to me, teachers, tutors, help classes, etc. I realize to get the soccer life I want, I need to work hard at the things I am not so naturally motivated to do. I just enjoy one way more than the other! My academic goal for high school is to graduate with a GPA above 3. For college, it is to manage my time between soccer and course work well and make honor roll. I still do not know what career I would like to have yet, but I hope it will include my desire to help others. I have learned, I am stronger and more capable than I ever thought I was. I believe I can achieve things if I put in the time and effort on and off the field. My strong faith has kept me on course knowing I was made for a purpose. I am enjoying this journey.