On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Pennridge senior Morgan Scott was recognized for signing a letter of intent to continue her swimming career at Indiana University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
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Morgan Scott – Indiana University (Swimming)
Major: Biology
Final list of colleges: Indiana, UNC, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State
Reasons for choosing Indiana: “To be quite frank, I wasn’t really looking at Indiana at all. I made a visit in July for World Championship Trials, and I honestly fell in love with it. The campus is gorgeous. It’s just everything I could ask for academically and swimming-wise, so I think I made the best decision for myself.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in swimming at the collegiate level? “In seventh grade, I really wanted to be a professional athlete and compete collegiately. I remember the very first coach that came to practice was for Hannah Zurmuhl, and the coach came to me and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to keep an eye on you.’ Oh my gosh, it was the best feeling in the world. It was probably the most inspiring thing that ever happened to me because at such a young age – a college coach saying, ‘Hey, we’re watching out for you.’ It was really unreal.
“Once high school hit, I knew I was going to swim in college. I don’t think I’ll ever quit the sport – eventually I will, but it’s been in my life for a really long time. I love it. If I can do it professionally, that would be great. We’ll see what happens, but college opens up so many doors. It’s only the beginning.”
“(Swimming) is just something I can connect to. Not a lot of people can say that they love their sport. I truly believe that swimming is something that was made for me. I’ve always loved the water. It’s just my release. When I’m upset, I take it out on the water. I sprint a 50, and then I’m good to go. I’ve released everything.”
Central Bucks Swim Club coach Stu Kukla says: “Obviously, to be a great athlete, you have to have physical tools and attributes. I’ve had many athletes who have the physical tools and attributes. What sets her apart is her closing. She won’t let anyone beat her. She won’t lose. She has the heart and the drive to go the extra mile, just the desire to push herself. Obviously, that (not only) goes in a meet and a championship setting but also in practice. I have had many great athletes practicing with her. There are many times at practice – she’ll see if someone is slightly ahead of her, and she’s like, ‘Nope, you’re not going to beat me even in this simple set in this simple practice.’ She has no ability to lose, and that’s what really sets her apart.
“I started with her when she was 10. You talk to coaches and they say ‘feel for the water.’ Even at the age of 10 – there are some kids who do really well because they’re bigger and stronger, she had a good feel for the water at that age. Around sixth or seventh grade, you could see she not only had that feel but the mentality she was not going to be put down. She was going to excel. I tested her in many different platforms, whether it be at practice or sending her to meets that were above her age. She was going to meets where high schools seniors and college athletes were going to, and she was competing and beating them at the middle school level.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with athletes that were national champions, and Morgan’s got that type of capability. She’s in the pantheon of the top five athletes I’ve ever worked with. I’ve worked with Olympians and national champions and kids who have signed with some of the best schools in this country. She’s got that mental fortitude. In the sport of swimming where you’re only looking down at the black line, you’ve got to have something special.”
About Morgan:
Favorite food: Steak/Roast Beef
Favorite movie: Mission Impossible
Favorite music: Hip Hop
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