SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With its long tradition of excellence, Santa Clara women's soccer is set to welcome a new class of freshmen to the Mission campus. SantaClaraBroncos.com will introduce one incoming player a day for the next eight days. Next up is Morgan Stanton of Lakewood, Colo.
"There are many reasons why I chose Santa Clara," said Stanton. "I felt Santa Clara was a great fit for me. I loved the campus, location, climate and the size of the school. Santa Clara has a high standard of academics and a great academic reputation. Meeting the soccer coaches and meeting Brandi Chastain, who is a huge reason why I even started playing soccer, were determining factors in my decision. They all love what they are doing and are very excited about the soccer program and Santa Clara University. Speaking with Coach McAlister on many occasions and knowing the reputation of coach Smith made me feel confident Santa Clara would help me continue to pursue and reach my soccer goals. Through college and beyond I am very excited about this new chapter in my life and I hope this experience will not only make me a better soccer player but a better person as well."
"Morgan Stanton just represented the United States in the U-17 World Cup and will be an attacking midfield player," said Santa Clara head coach Jerry Smith, entering his 27th season leading the Broncos. "She is very clever with her movement and is a very hard-working player. She is very good in the middle-third and attacking-third."
Stanton played her only year of high school soccer as a sophomore and it was the first time Bear Creek girls' soccer advanced to the state playoffs in over 30 years. She was coached by Mike Ackerman and William Heffernan.
Playing for the Colorado Rush ECNL, Stanton was a team captain from U-11 through today. She was a NSCAA Youth All-American in 2011 and '12. In 2012 Stanton played in the U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan and scored a goal vs. Gambia. She was recently called up to the U-20 National Team camp. Stanton was a member of the U-15 through U-17 National teams and was in the U.S. National Pool for the U-14s.
Off the field Stanton has helped coach her sister Julia's soccer team from U-5 to U-11 as well as volunteering at senior citizen homes. She was part of the Rush Thunder and REACH programs.
Her interests include listening to music, spending time with friends and family and reading books.
Other Releases
Noel Baham
Morgan Brown
Whitney Cohen
Mariana Galvan
Jordan Jesolva
Emily Johnson
Jenna Roering