Alumni National Awards

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Award Recipients


ROBERT L. AND WILLIAM P. McCAHILL AWARD

ProffittMorgan E. Proffitt, Bus Ad ’17
Columbus, Ind.

Morgan says she was so focused on making a strong contribution to the Marquette University women’s soccer team that, at first, she didn’t even think about a professional career.

But as time went on, and the National Women’s Soccer League expanded, she thought she might have a shot. She was right.

In the 2017 NWSL College Draft, Morgan was the 12th overall pick, selected by the Chicago Red Stars. Currently, Morgan plays for the Washington Spirit.

But before she transitioned to soccer as a career, Morgan made more than good on her goal of contributing to Marquette’s team. She started 83 of 85 matches, helping the Golden Eagles to a pair of Big East regular season championships, a league tournament title and two NCAA tournament appearances. Morgan primarily played defense, where her performance earned her the 2016 Big East Defensive Player of the Year award. She also was a three-time All-Big East selection. Her strong academics also made her a four-time Big East All-Academic Team honoree.

Bill Scholl, Marquette’s vice president and director of athletics, says Morgan embodied the aspirations of the Marquette student-athlete and is well-deserving of the high honor the McCahill Award represents. “Her pursuit to be among the very best on the soccer pitch was as apparent as her humility and the respect she showed her teammates, coaches, administrators and professors,” he says.

During her college years, Morgan was also actively involved with community services such as Hunger Clean-up, Relay for Life and TOP Soccer. She now mentors aspiring college soccer players in her hometown of Columbus, Ind.

Asked about what she would miss most about Milwaukee when she transitioned to a professional career in 2017, Morgan answered, “I think I am going to miss the environment at Marquette. My team, coaches, friends, professors, advisers and trainers are all so supportive. They really want the best for each student-athlete, both academically and athletically.”

Fun fact: Morgan likes to “jam out” to loud music, preferably with other teammates, before games.