Kendra Morgan, who recently completed her sophomore year at Salisbury High School, was a three-sport standout in field hockey, basketball and track & field. She had successes in all three sports and in doing so, was voted this year’s Salisbury Press Female Athlete of the Year.
“My sophomore year was really great when it came to sports,” said Morgan. “For starters, I got to go to districts with my field hockey team for the second year in a row, which just shows all the work we put in pays off. I look forward to continuing that hard work this season again and rack up even more wins.
“During the basketball season I was able to lead the team in many different ways. I led in scoring and had the opportunity to use my experience in the game to be a leader on and off the court for my teammates. I had a really great track season. I went to leagues and districts to compete for the second year in a row. I am very excited to see where the rest of my high school athletic career will take me and I can’t wait to do it with my teammates for two more years.”
So, out of the three sports, is there a favorite for the rising junior?
“I love all the sports I play,” Morgan said. “They all have such different team dynamics and offer me such wonderful things, so it’s hard to choose. However, I have played basketball for nine years, the longest out of any other sport, so I would say that is at the top. Basketball gives me the chance to be explosive and powerful, while also forcing me to be dedicated to perfecting and sharpening my skills.”
Salisbury field hockey finished the season 8-9-2 overall and went 6-6-2 in the Colonial League, qualifying for the District 11 2A Tournament for the second year in a row. Morgan scored five goals and added an assist on the season and was voted Honorable Mention All-Colonial League.
“Making districts for the second year in a row was a really big accomplishment for us,” said Morgan. “It is a true testament to how well the season went. I played in a new position, which forced me to adjust. This new position would help me push more balls into scoring position for my teammates to score off of.
“Since I was on the complete opposite side of the field I had to learn new ways of dodging defenders and scoring on the cage. I was able to adapt quickly and become a vital offensive threat on my team. We work really hard as a team to move as a cohesive unit and make things like a postseason happen and I hope to do it again this year.”
Head coach Jane Brennan knows the talent she has in coaching Morgan.
“Kendra deserves this honor,” said Brennan. “She is such a good athlete and was a leader on the field even as an underclassman. I’m glad we get another two years with her.”
Morgan averaged a little over 11 points per game, leading the Falcon basketball team in scoring. While the team had a down year, going 3-19 overall, Morgan believes it will only be up from there.
“The basketball season this year definitely had some ups and downs, however my mindset on the court is to always give 100 percent,” Morgan said. “I want to be a leader for the other girls always, so I have to keep a positive mindset when I’m out there. In addition to leadership, I bring experience to the team. I have been playing basketball for nine years along with a few years playing AAU.
“AAU has given me experiences that other girls on my team don’t have. I hope that I am able to translate my experiences into our huddles and make the team better each time I am there.”
Morgan then concluded the athletics calendar by running sprints for the track team in the spring. She qualified for leagues and districts and also was able to better her talents in field hockey and basketball because of running track.
“Track has been vital to helping me maintain success in my other sports,” said Morgan. “Not only does it keep me in shape during the off season, but it also helps me be more explosive while running.
“The endurance factor is key for field hockey. I have to make sure I am in shape to play for 60 minutes straight on the field in the heat of the fall. By increasing my explosiveness I have been able to lose more defenders on the basketball court just by simple change of speed and direction. I account a lot of my victories in field hockey and basketball to track.”
Morgan still has two more years at Salisbury and she is excited to be around for more time.
“Salisbury has been a really positive experience,” Morgan said. “I really like the atmosphere and the people I’m with. I have made strong connections with people through sports and have built bonds that will last a lifetime. Coming into high school my freshman year was a little stressful for obvious reasons. However, once field hockey preseason started I knew I would be just fine because I would be walking into the first day of school with 20 other girls who already knew my name and would have my back.
“Salisbury has offered me so many amazing things, not just athletically, but academically as well. With our small size I am able to have a close relationship with teachers who are always willing to help me, and I am able to take classes with students who I have been friends with since kindergarten, a luxury that students from larger schools don’t get. One of my favorite things about Salisbury is our tight-knit community. Teachers make an effort to come to games or congratulate me in the hallway the next day. I know that I have a whole community behind me that supports and cares for me.”