SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Kensington Morgan, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at USC. Morgan plays travel soccer in the Girls Academy for IMG Academy.
A SoccerWire Featured Player since January 2021, Morgan is one of the top Class of 2025 recruits from the state of Florida. She has been invited to participate in multiple Girls Academy National Talent ID Camps and has anchored an IMG defense that has earned seven shutouts this season in Southeast Conference play
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to USC?
Kensington Morgan: I decided to commit to USC because it was honestly a dream school. It had everything that I could have dreamed of: outstanding academics, world-class athletic facilities, a beautiful campus and a national championship soccer program. The coaching staff though was what impressed me the most. They are not only amazing coaches, but they are awesome people! I can’t wait to play for and learn from Head Coach Jane Alukonis, Coaches Sugar, Ahmad and Cyrus. An added bonus is their brand new soccer stadium about to be built and ready for 2025. I am so thankful for this opportunity!
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
KM: I learned through the recruiting process to focus on myself and not get distracted by what is happening around me. IMG always tells us to “control the controllables”. I think this couldn’t be more applicable than during the recruiting process.
SW: How do you feel your strengths on the field will help USC?’
KM: I hope that my speed, soccer IQ, and my physicality will contribute to an already amazing and talented team at USC. USC likes to play wing backs and this is another reason I was attracted to them. I hope my experience at this position will contribute to the team.
SW: When did you first start playing left wing back and what do you like most about the position?
KM: I first starting playing left wing back at U11. I had always played defense since I started playing soccer at a very young age. Coach Alex Walker, at then LA Galaxy San Diego, saw me and said that I had the attributes to be a left wing back where I could utilize my defensive skills and also be an offensive threat. He started developing me as a wing back and I’ve been playing that position ever since. My favorite part of playing wing back is winning 1v1’s on defense and then counter attacking with overlapping runs.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
KM: My favorite subjects in school are math and science. I’m thinking of majoring in business.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
KM: Outside of soccer, I’m involved with UNICEF and I am a member of the National Honor Society. I am also involved with a student-athlete ministry called J316. I have also gone on mission trips to Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. On each of these trips, I’m able to connect with people through soccer.
SW: What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
KM: My favorite cleats that I’ve ever owned are Adidas Predators.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for IMG Academy so far?
KM: I love playing for and attending IMG Academy. I have grown so much since I’ve been here. I love being surrounded by like-minded student-athletes who are all working towards the same goals. IMG truly develops the whole athlete with their focus on strength and conditioning, nutrition, mental conditioning, and so much more.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level what would it be?
KM: My advice to a younger player would be to find a coach and a team where they value you and want to develop you. Don’t get caught up in trophies and medals. I feel, especially when you’re young, that it’s better to be on a team where you’re playing and contributing than on a team where you are getting less playing time even if that team is winning everything.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
KM:
There are so many people who have helped me get to this point that it is hard to narrow down just a few, but I’ll try.
Rudy Torres was my very first club coach at the Dallas Texans. At age five, we would spend lots of time each practice doing 1v1 drills. Coach Rudy taught me at a very young age how to be a defender.
I already mentioned Alex Walker, who was the catalyst to me becoming a wing back. City SC San Diego was instrumental in giving me opportunities to grow as a player and they
instilled confidence in me at a critical stage of my development.
Coach Kim Dean at IMG Academy taught me so much and is such a strong supporter of female soccer players.
My current coach for the last two years, Tom Shortland, has given me the liberty to play as a true wing back. He is an excellent coach and constantly challenges me and is always pushing me to become better each and every day. The entire IMG soccer program for everything they’ve done for my development as a player and
a student.
I’d also like to recognize the Girls Academy League and the platform they provide for female soccer players. I’ve been fortunate to have had several GA Regional and National Talent ID
selections, and I’m grateful for the opportunity these events have provided.
Last, but not least, a special thanks to my family. I wouldn’t have this amazing opportunity without their constant love and support over the last 13 years of playing soccer. They have made many sacrifices to help me achieve my dreams. And a final shoutout to my older brother, who has always been my biggest fan.
