Amber Morgan Looks Back on Trinity Days and Ahead on Promising Career at SIU Edwardsville

Amber Morgan’s career ending at Trinity Area High School is still fresh. The memories will last a lifetime. Her coaches, classmates, and teammates made this ride special. But even if high school and high school athletics are over, her softball days will be extended as a 2023 recruit for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars softball team.

(Photos courtesy of the Trinity Hillers Softball Parents)

Morgan’s career began at the age of 11 and her quest to play the game in college soon followed. Growing up in Washington County provided her with a strong sense of community and family. This foundation has been critical in teaching her the work ethic and soft skills needed to be successful not just in sports, but in life.

In addition to her great play for the Hillers in high school, Morgan played a lot of travel ball and spent time with Team Pennsylvania, Nitro Fastpitch, Firecrackers, and Outlaws. Her time with Outlaws over the last five years have been crucial in her recruitment and development as a player. “Travel softball helped me so much in being able to achieve my goal of playing Division I softball, she said. “We were always in good tournaments and I was pushed to be better. That competition made me grow as a player.”

When high school season would roll around, Morgan was ready. She proved this by being named a three-time all-section performer and helping the team win a WPIAL title in her senior season. Her teammates also voted her as team captain. But more than the accolades, the people are what make this game special to her. From winning a WPIAL title with some of her closest friends to the opportunity to meet new people from playing travel ball, softball has made the bonds she has with her loved ones stronger.

This Hiller soon will become a Cougar and she’s excited to see what the Ohio Valley Conference is all about. “SIUE is the right fit for me because I love the campus. The coaches and players were also easy to talk to. I like the size of the campus and the fact that it is a very safe school. The setting of the campus and having the majors I was interested in were also key in my decision.”

The team finished 30-26 this past season and just missed out on playing in the Women’s College World Series. Not only will she join a great softball program, but SIUE’s nursing program is one of the strongest in the entire country, too. It’s a strong fit for this western Pennsylvania girl who will soon call the Midwest home for the next four years.

“I would like to thank my teammates and coaches throughout the years for always pushing me to be the best I can with anything I do,” noted Morgan. “My hitting coaches Gina Fuchs and Jimmy Hoffner were always very helpful and supportive in me reaching this level. All of my high school coaches also always let me know how much they believed in my ability. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents and family for helping me and supporting me. I’m so thankful they allowed me to play the game of softball. I am really excited and looking forward to seeing what my next chapter at SIUE has in store.