Morgan Kennedy Joins Alabama Soccer Coaching Staff
9/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - University of Alabama head soccer coach Wes Hart recently announced the hiring of Morgan Kennedy as the Crimson Tide's volunteer assistant coach for the 2015 season. Kennedy and Hart have a long-standing relationship that dates back to Kennedy's playing days at the Colorado Rush where Hart served in a variety of coaching roles over an 8-year span. Kennedy also played for Hart last season on the 2014 Florida State's National Championship team.
"I am beyond excited to be a member of the coaching staff here at Alabama," said Kennedy. "It is such an amazing place for me to begin my coaching career. I am surrounded by great people in a wonderful environment. It's crazy that I am now coaching with Wes and Mike (Piserchio) because they were both such a big part of my development during my Colorado Rush youth career -- I've known each of them for about 13+ years. I couldn't think of a better staff to be a part of. I'm truly honored that Wes would ask me to join him here at Alabama."
A native of Denver, Colorado, Kennedy began her youth soccer career with the Colorado Rush Soccer Club where she was a captain for seven consecutive years and rostered with a boys team instead of playing high school soccer. In 2009/2010 she was named the Colorado Rush Player of the Year. She eventually went on to play with the Colorado Rush W-League semi-pro team in each of its six seasons of existence, serving as a captain in each of the last three seasons. Kennedy was one of three finalists for Rookie of the Year in 2010, and was named to the Western Conference All-Star team in 2015.
Kennedy spent the bulk of her collegiate career at Oregon State where she played for three seasons before suffering a torn ACL during the summer prior to her senior season. Kennedy led the Beavers in minutes played during her junior season and earned honorable mention for the Pac-12 All-Academic team.
After rehabbing her torn ACL, Kennedy utilized her fifth year of eligibility and joined the No. 2 ranked Florida State Seminoles under current Alabama head coach Wes Hart. Kennedy was an invaluable contributor to the Seminoles and played a vital role in the team's first NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship.
"Playing for Wes was so much fun," added Kennedy. "He truly loves the game and loves helping players develop. It's pretty rare to have a coach be a part of your career for such a long period of time, but I think that's what makes it so special! Wes really cares about his players, and it shows in his coaching. I think that's a big reason why I respect and admire him so much."
Off the field, Kennery earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance from Oregon State in June, 2014. At Oregon State, she was completed a service trip with Beavers Without Borders and held an executive position in Media Relations on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
