Get to “Re-Know” New Director of Operations, Former Alabama Gymnast Morgan Dennis Morris
8/5/2024 12:18:00 PM | Gymnastics
Dennis Morris, an eight-time All-American and 2007 individual national champion at Alabama, helped guide the Crimson Tide to an SEC Team Championship title, as well as four NCAA Regional titles
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama gymnastics head coach Ashley Johnston added former Crimson Tide gymnast Morgan Dennis Morris to the support staff, the program announced Monday. Dennis Morris will serve as the new Director of Operations after the former director Robin Kelley retired after serving in the role for 20+ years.
Competing under Alabama legends Sarah and David Patterson from 2007-10, Dennis Morris accumulated eight All-America honors, six individual NCAA Regional titles and was also a six-time individual Southeastern Conference champion.
The 2007 floor exercise national champion was also a teammate of Johnston for two seasons, and in 2009, the duo helped guide the Tide to an SEC Team Championship – the program's sixth at the time.
Get to "Re-Know" Morgan Dennis Morris
How does it feel to be back at Alabama?
I'm not sure there are enough words to fully express just how awesome it feels to be back! It's both nostalgic and energizing to say the least. Being on campus immediately floods me with memories of my time here. While many things are still very familiar, the community and spirit of excellence that Alabama embodies is still as strong as ever and I'm thrilled to be here.
You competed alongside head coach Ashley Johnston during the 2009 and 2010 seasons; talk a little bit about that team and how cool it is to be reunited on staff.
Ashley and I have some incredible memories together as teammates. One of the most special memories, probably, being our SEC Team Championship in 2009. Big wins are always notable, but beyond that, I felt like each day we worked to show up with a shared vision and passion for the good of the team which resulted in several growth opportunities and learning experiences. Now, we've both got a little more life lived and perspective under our belts, so to be able to bring a sense of wisdom and that same energy back to a program we love is so exciting. I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish together as a program, building on the already great foundation that's in place. It's really an honor to have a part in helping shape the future success of Alabama Gymnastics.
What did you do after graduating from Alabama?
Once I exhausted my eligibility, I went on to receive my master's degree in sport management and began a career in college athletics administration. I started in Student-Athlete Enhancement here at Alabama and spent time at several different institutions (Central Florida, Oregon State, Nevada and Cincinnati) serving in different capacities focused on development and fundraising. After several years in college athletics, I pivoted to a role overseeing collegiate sales and design for OZONE Leotards. It was a great opportunity for me to stay involved in the NCAA gymnastics space and grow the company's footprint in that market. I'm proud of my professional accomplishments but above all, becoming a mother has been my best accomplishment and favorite role! I have three children – twins, Ryan and Simeon (7) and a daughter, Torrin (3).
What made you decide to come back to Alabama?
There were several factors that contributed to my return, but one that stands out is a sense of gratitude for this place. My time here as a student-athlete under Sarah and David Patterson was transformative. When the opportunity arose to return, it felt like a chance to give back to the program that had such an incredible impact on my life. Additionally, the prospect of working alongside Ashley and being reunited with so many others made the decision even more compelling. Everything aligned and it really felt like the right fit at the right time.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role of Director of Operations?
This role is more than a job to me. I see it as an opportunity to truly serve our program in a unique way, bringing a combination of personal and professional experiences to help ensure, alongside the rest of the staff, that the student-athletes have what they need to feel successful and compete at the highest level. This is such a formative time in their lives, so I'm excited to build relationships with and mentor them as well. The NCAA landscape has changed tremendously so I'm also looking forward to using my advancement experience to strategically engage alumni, fans and the broader gymnastics community for the continued growth of our program. Roll Tide!
