Nov. 8, 2005
Monique Morgan is Villanova's latest national sprint hurdle threat. In her first two years at Villanova, Monique has improved her 100m hurdles time by a full second. She has also represented Jamaica internationally at the 2004 World Junior Championships in Italy, qualified for three consecutive NCAA Championships, set an ECAC outdoor 100m hurdles record and won a Big East indoor title in 2005.
Morgan continues Villanova's rich hurdling history which includes nationally ranked Charmaine Walker, Kia Davis, and Sherise Price. Although mainly a short sprinter in high school, Monique has also had some stints in the 400mh hurdles, and she is a fixture on the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The junior came to Villanova from Immaculate Conceptional High School in Kingston, Jamaica, and she is currently studying Spanish and plans to go for a Master's degree in physical therapy after she graduates in 2007.
How was the transition for you coming to Villanova from Jamaica? The biggest adjustment I had to make was with the weather. It is warm all year round in Jamaica, whereas at Villanova there are difference seasons. I never experienced winter (or seen snow) before coming to Villanova, so that was something I had to adjust to. Being far away from home was also challenging, so it was through telephone calls that my parents and I kept in contact.
What were your expectations coming to Villanova as a student-athlete? I expected to maintain high academic standards, as well as compete at a much higher level on the track.
You have had a lot of success in a very short time, eg Indoor Big East champion, World Junior Championship semi-finalist, NCAA semifinalist since coming to Villanova. Are you surprised by the amount of success that you have had to date? Well yes, I am surprised at what I have accomplished thus far, and I also look forward to competing in many more championships.
To what would you attribute your speedy national rise and what are your goals for the future? My coach at Villanova has worked tirelessly with me, and I am very determined to do well. My parents are also very supportive of my endeavors. I plan to continue competing at a high level in the future.
Why do you think that Villanova has been able to develop such a high level of sprint-hurdling over the years and at the same time maintain a distance base ranked nationally? Villanova has coaches who are quite experienced in their respective fields, and who have also competed as athletes. They have a wide knowledge base and are able to pass this on to the athletes. Whether it be sprints or longer distances, both coaches and athletes are dedicated to their events.
Is there anyone out there that has inspired you as an athlete? My daddy has supported me and inspires me in many ways. He was always present at my training sessions and track meets in Jamaica and still thinks that he can run faster than me over 100m.
What are you currently studying and what do you plan to do after graduation? My major is Spanish Language and Literature. After graduation, I plan to go to graduate school and study Physical Therapy.
How do you manage to keep up your grades and perform at such a high level on the track? I set realistic personal goals. Time management is also necessary to balance my various tasks.
What advice would you give to young athletes looking to move on to college and continuing running? Stay focused! Balancing track and maintaining good grades is no walk in the park. However, it can be rewarding if you work hard and manage your time well. It can also be fun if you make up your mind to have a good time in the process.
