Morgan Catchur is one of the best players from the Chicago, Illinois area in the Class of 2021.
The 5-foot-8, 145-pound Catchur, who attends Valparaiso High School, is a dynamic player that works as a forward and midfielder.
Catchur, who plays for the Indiana Elite FC, has earned plenty of recognition during her outstanding career, such as: varsity letter soccer member (2017-2018), varsity letter track member (2018), soccer honorable mention (2018), All-District 1st Team soccer (2018), Varsity Academic Award (2018).
Catchur is humbled by the accolades.
“Receiving these awards has been very rewarding to me. Knowing that my hard work through practices, training, and extra work had been paying off is very exciting to know. Having received an academic award is relieving because it lets me know that all my hard work and late nights is paying off,” Catchur said. “Even though I could not participate in the 1st Team All-District game, it was an honor even being awarded it.”
No matter the opponent, every match Catchur is determined to give it her all.
Catchur is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Catchur steps between the lines.
“My mindset as i prepare for a game is to be focus but have fun. As a forward I try to help create opportunities for my teammates by holding the ball to play off of others and move through space,” Catchur said. “Playing midfield I try to move off the ball and move quickly through space. Also I try to help both sides to the field.”
Catchur has great passion and energy whenever she’s on the field. Catchur tells why she enjoys the game of soccer so much.
“The feeling of scoring a goal, making a good connection, and having a good game makes me love playing soccer,” Catchur said.
Catchur has learned many valuable lessons from playing soccer that she applies to her everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Soccer has taught me to keeping going no matter what the obstacle is and to always keep a positive attitude,” Catchur said.
Catchur recalls her favorite soccer memory.
“My favorite memory of playing soccer has always been with my sister, Shannon,” Catchur said. “This is because we work well together, we celebrate together when one scores a goal or saves one from happening, and even if we get mad at each other we leave it all on the field.”
Semir Mesanovic has been Catchur’s coach for the Indiana Elite for the last two years.
Mesanovic explains the best parts of Catchur’s game.
“At forward she scores goals and creates for teammates. She can also play midfield and defender,” Mesanovic said.
Catchur takes her role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Catchur makes sure she’s a daily positive influence on her peers.
“Being a good teammate to me means supporting one another through thick and thin. When one makes a mistake or scores a goal, a teammate should be there to tell them you’re fine improve on the next one or celebrate with them. During practice or games i try to set an example for my other teammates,” Catchur said. “Advice I have given my teammates is to never get down when you make a mistake, use that and try to improve and not do it again.”
Mesanovic adds that Catchur is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“She leads by example on and off the field,” Mesanovic said. “That attitude has a contagious effect on the rest of the team. She’s like an extension of the coaching staff on the field.”
Catchur is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have taught me when I make a mistake just keep going and playing hard,” Catchur said. “My coaches have taught me to believe in myself on and off the field.”
Mesanovic is an advocate of Catchur’s capabilities.
“She helped current MRL team reach MRL status play and reached finals of President’s Cup, and scored and assisted on goals to help team play over the years at highest level regionally,” Mesanovic said.
In addition to making clutch plays, Catchur also has a high level of soccer IQ as well.
Catchur has excellent awareness that puts her in position to thrive.
“She uses her athletic ability to help teammates and creates and scores goals. She is a complete player,” Mesanovic said.
Catchur is on the grind to perfect and hone her craft in any way possible.
“She trains like she plays in games, is very competitive and has a great work ethic,” Mesanovic said. “She’s a very smart player.”
Catchur greatly admires her cousin who plays for the Chicago Red Stars.
“I look up to my cousin Sarah Gorden because she has shown me that anything is possible if you give 110 percent in everything you do,” Catchur said.
Catchur is constantly striving for greatness in everything that she does.
“Both on and off the field i strive to be a better person. On the field I want to improve my game of play,” Catchur said. “Off the field, I try to work hard in school and maintain good grades by keeping up on my homework and studying for quizzes and test.”
Catchur wants to continue playing soccer in the Midwest at the collegiate level.
“My dream college is Northwestern because they have an exceptional medical program,” Catchur said. “Also, it is a challenge to get into, and who doesn’t like a challenge.”
Catchur lists science as her favorite subject in school.
“I love learning about the way things all around us work, especially our bodies,” Catchur said.
Mesanovic believes Catchur is determined take her game to the next level.
“She is working to improve fitness levels to become a high level status athlete,” Mesanovic said. “I am confident she will improve in these categories and become even more potent as a player.”
Mesanovic believes the sky is the limit as long as Catchur continues to stay hungry.
“She is a high level athlete with high aspirations. She has the potential to play high level college and beyond,” Mesanovic said. “She pays attention to detail and is hungry to succeed.”
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