Getting to Know Forward Makenna Morris
Makenna Morris, a Germantown, Maryland native, was drafted by her hometown team with the No. 13 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NWSL Draft. She joins the Spirit after an impressive four-year collegiate career at Clemson, where she appeared in 80 games, starting in all but three, scoring 19 goals and adding 20 assists. Morris played with Spirit teammate Hal Hershfelt at Clemson and secured numerous honors including Second Team All-ACC (2020), Third Team All-ACC (2021) and ACC All-Freshman (2020).
What were your first thoughts when you were drafted to the Spirit?
I was very excited and grateful to be so close to home. I was sitting with my parents when I found out. One of the best parts was realizing that they can come to all my games. I was really hoping to get drafted, and I really didn’t care where. I got very lucky that I was drafted by the Spirit and could stay so close to home. I spoke with Louisville about an hour before the draft, but I wasn’t sure what was going to happen; I was really stressed out. I am very happy with how it worked out.
Who is your athlete idol?
That’s a hard question. My sister is my idol, and she’s the reason why I started playing soccer. She works so hard on the field and has always been someone I have looked up to. My sister and I push each other to be better. When she first joined a club team I wanted to play with her. I felt like she couldn’t play without me.
Who is your soccer GOAT?
I would have to say Julie Ertz even though we don’t play the same position. I love her and her work ethic. She consistently puts everything out there when she’s on the field.
When it comes to men’s, I know it’s basic, but I would say [Lionel] Messi. He is quite literally the GOAT. Messi is very calm and technical when he gets the ball, especially when he has multiple people on him. Nothing fazes him.
What is your first soccer memory?
I was the kid that would lay on the soccer field and pick flowers. Aside from that, I played in The Jefferson Cup every single year. It was a tournament in Pennsylvania that my club would play in every year. I don’t think we ever won it, but my team always did something fun off the field.
What is the best meal you’ve ever had:
Definitely my mom’s chicken parm. It’s just so good. The pasta is cooked perfectly, the chicken is crispy, the cheese is gooey and bubbly. I eat it at least once a month, hopefully a lot more since I am closer to home.
What’s the coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Spain was awesome. I went to South Korea for soccer, and probably won’t get the opportunity to go again, so I got to shout that out.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
I have seen so many pictures of the Maldives. It’s so cool and beachy. My favorite part is the houses on the water – I love the vibes.
Tell us about your dogs.
Smokey is a Cane Corso and is the cutest thing ever. I love him. Smokey loves to cuddle and is always laying right next to you even though he is so massive. Bear is my new puppy. He is a Rottweiler and has met Smokey quite a few times. He’s been so good and calm, especially around other dogs. Bear has even played with Croix’s [Bethune] dog, too.
What’s your go-to breakfast?
I am not a big breakfast person. My favorite meal is dinner, I try my best to eat it around 6:30.
What’s always in your fridge?
I always have mozzarella cheese sticks. They are my favorite.
One word to describe this team:
On the field: Dawgs. Off the field: Fun.
Do you collect anything?
I don’t necessarily collect anything. I love to have a full bookshelf, right now Sarah J Maas is my favorite author. It’s my first-time reading fantasy, and I am obsessed with it.
Is there a skill you want to learn?
I am a horrible singer, but I love to sing. I wish I could get in the car with someone and sing my heart out and be good. My favorite song to sing is “Best Thing I Never Had” by Beyonce.
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