A Balancing Act
2/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 24, 2009
Breaking a school record was something sophomore gymnast Kelsey Morley never dreamed of accomplishing during her career at Michigan State. The walk-on, originally from Hanover, N.H., posted a record-breaking score of 9.975 on her balance beam routine during a Feb. 14 home meet against ninth-ranked Florida. Joining the team just over one year before, Morley said she had few expectations coming into her gymnastics career as a Spartan. Even after earning a scholarship this season, Morley said she still cannot believe the success she has found. "Being able to just compete for MSU was pretty much like everything I had ever wanted come true," Morley said. "It was really just an honor to be able to come here, and then to earn a scholarship was one of the greatest accomplishments in my life."
Not only is Morley's name now in the MSU record books, she is also currently ranked among the nation's top competitors, tied with the second highest score on the balance beam this season. Currently ranked 32nd on the balance beam, Morley said she cannot believe she is placed among the best gymnasts in the country.
"It is such an honor to see your name up there with others like Courtney Kupets of Georgia, who was in the Olympics before," Morley said. "To be almost comparable to her is a really great feeling."
Although the balance beam has been an area of struggle this season for the Green and White, Morley has become a strong leader for the team recording five top three finishes in a total of seven meets for her team. Attributing some of her success to her hard work ethic and focused attitude, Morley said the feeling of helping her team toward a victory is what keeps her going, and it will only be a matter of time before the team as a whole is able to dominate on the balance beam as well.
Without the help and support from her teammates and coaches however, Morley said her accomplishments would not be possible. Along with her teammates, she credits her recent success on the balance beam to the cheering and encouragement she received from her family and friends who were in attendance at the meet.
"My teammates were all very loud and were all cheering for me during my routine," Morley said. "I also had a lot of family and friends from back home that came to see me, so for them to see one of my personal best performances was great. I was also able to show them what I have been working on for the past couple of years was really a great honor for me."
The confidence her teammates and coaches instill in her also translates into helping Morley compete in the all-around competition for the first time in her career at MSU. While she said the pressure was more intense than she originally thought, it has been her teammates that have been there to help her through the meets.
"Going into this season, competing I the all-around was one of my goals that I wanted to accomplish, and I know I couldn't do it without my teammates support and I am so grateful for that," Morley said.
Prior to coming to MSU, the Spartan tradition was already strong inside the Morley household. Her father, an MSU alumnus, took Kelsey to several MSU football games, and it was there Morley said her love for East Lansing began.
"I have been visiting here since I was three or four years old, and I always knew I wanted to come to college here," Morley said. "I guess you could just say it was in the family."
In the family it is indeed, as Morley's older sister, Blair, also attends the University. Whether it be schoolwork, or just life in general, Morley said her sister is always there to support her. "I greatly admire my sister, and she has helped me so much. She is always open for a phone call, and is always there to guide me in the right direction."
Although honored to be a member of the MSU gymnastics team, education remains at the top of Morley's priorities. A marketing major, and artist in her free time, Morley said she plans to pursue a career after college as a marketing executive. Until then, Morley said she has plenty of goals left to accomplish during the remainder of her collegiate career at MSU.
"I want to be able to stay competitive and make it through the rest of my years here," Morley said. "I also hope within my career we are able to make it to the national competition as a team, which would be an honor not only to me, but my team as well."
Players Mentioned
