Name: Morgan
Nickname: Mo
Where were you born: Dalton, Ga.
Hometown: Dalton, Ga.
High School: Northwest Whitfield
College: Kennesaw State University
Major: Bachelors of Science in Public Relations
Tell us how you became a FOX Sports Girls: I heard about it from a friend -- she knows my passion for our Atlanta teams and love for all sports. Once I got news about the opportunity, I immediately knew it would be PERFECT for me. Sports have been my life since I can remember, so getting to interact with fans that are just as enthusiastic as I am is truly special. I feel honored to get to talk sports daily and serve as the fans' connection...it really is a dream come true!
What has been your favorite experience as a FOX Sports Girl? That's a tough one! Every experience has been incredible. I recently got the opportunity to go to Fort Bragg to be a part of Spring Training to the Troops ... and that experience really sticks out. It was unlike anything else. Getting to interact with the servicemen and women who put their life on the line for our country every day was so humbling. And they were so gracious and hospitable! Thanking us for being there for them -- WOW! To me, it was the other way around! I was just so grateful and blessed to be there experiencing all that goes in to being a solider. Truly amazing!
What is your favorite sports memory? Watching the legend himself, Michael Jordan, play the Hawks right here in Atlanta during his last season with the Chicago Bulls. Also, placing first in the GHSA state track meet in both the 400 and 800-meter my senior year -- it was such a humbling experience that I'll never forget.
For the ultimate sports fan, what are the three things you recommend them to experience in your city?
1. Braves game at Turner Field
2. Hawks game at Philips
3. Falcons game at the Georgia Dome
**And when the College Football Hall of Fame opens to the public in Fall 2014, I'd say that would be a must-see as well. I can't wait!
Who has been the greatest influence on you being a sports fan and why? Hands down, my parents! They instilled my love of sports in me ever since I was a little girl. Whether they were taking me to a Braves game, or driving me to practice, they were always there to ignite and share their passion for athletics with me. They were definitely my biggest fans, and because of their example, I am the sports fan I am today.
If you could play any position/role on any team what would it be and why? I would be a wide receiver for the Falcons. I absolutely love the grit and athleticism of the game - so combine my passion for football with my background in track-and-field, and you got yourself a wide receiver.
Girls are involved in many community and charitable initiatives. Please tell us about your experiences and if you have a favorite charity or group that you work with: I consider it a true honor to work with After-School All-Stars. It is always such a rewarding experience to interact with the middle school students. Their gratitude and zest for life is truly humbling. My favorite experience with ASAS was the MLK National Day of Service when we got the opportunity to participate with students in a service project by cleaning up the community around the school and packing and distributing fruit baskets to homes nearby. The kids were so excited to give back, and their reaction when we arrived at Philips to cheer on our Hawks was inspiring. They were SO gracious. I consider myself blessed to get to work with them.
The FOX Sports Girls participate in the annual Spring Training to the Troops trip. What ties to the military do you have? (Family, friends?): My papa and cousin (who is basically like a brother to me) served in the Marines.
First game you ever attended? I attended my first-ever sporting event when I was five-years-old. My parents took my sister and I to a Braves game at Turner Field so we could cheer on our favorite player, Chipper Jones, in person. It's a memory I'll never forget!
Who is your favorite person to follow on social media and why? Freddie Freeman -- @FreddieFreeman5. He is always so thankful for his fans and grateful for everything that he earns.
Are you superstitious? If so, what are some of your pre-game/during the game rituals? I actually have a lucky hat that I wear when the Braves are on the road and I'm watching from home. I also have this thing where I don't get up from my seat or leave my TV while I'm watching my teams. Once I'm cheering them on, I'm in the zone! It's worked for me so far :-) Mom is superstitious as well
What sports did you play growing up? I LOVE ALL SPORTS. I grew up playing basketball, track-and-field, softball, and I cheered. In high school, I played basketball where I was a shooting guard and I ran track. I have to say track-and-field was my true passion, and I went on to run at the collegiate level at Kennesaw State University. My events were the 4x100, 400, 800, 4x400, and long jump.
What’s your favorite sports rivalry? There's nothing quite like the rivalry of the Falcons when they play the Saints. I went to the game at the Georgia Dome this year, and the atmosphere was intense! There's passionate sports fans on both sides ... pretty sure I lost my voice cheering for our Falcons! Needless to say, I look forward to this game every year! :-)
What is your go-to super bowl dish? Oh that's easy -- chips and queso all the way!
Do you have any sports events on your bucket list? I have ALWAYS wanted to attend the Summer Olympics - especially for the track-and-field events. I have been running competitively ever since I was a little girl and continued to do so even in college. To be able to cheer on Team USA would be surreal! I get chills when I watch. It would also be amazing to attend the World Series ... and cheer on our Braves ;-)
What is your favorite sports movie? 'Remember the Titans' ..."Left side, strong side!" Such a classic movie with an important lesson.
What # would you wear if you played sports? No. 24. That was always my number growing up when I played basketball. It's still my lucky number to this day.
What would your walk up song be? 'Crazy Train' in honor of my favorite Braves player, Chipper Jones. That song gets everyone pumped up!
Name the local sports heroes from your hometown: Mike Durham and his son, Kris. Mike was my track coach growing up, and he taught me what it meant to be a dedicated, disciplined athlete. He pushed me to be better than I was the day before. He was a University of Georgia track-and-field decathlete, and still holds records there to this day. His son, Kris, was a wide receiver at UGA, and got drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2011. He currently plays for the Detroit Lions and is reunited with his old friend and QB, Matt Stafford.
