Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1046648
23 F our years ago, University of Iowa senior Morgan Kemerling was able find a home away from home when she committed to play soccer for the Hawkeyes. "I felt at home even though I was three hours away from home," Kemerling said. "I came on campus, just the feeling I got while here was unlike any other." A native of Aurora, Illinois, Kemerling committed to former head coach Ron Rainey and through a coaching switch, she stuck by and embraced the change. "Life is going to throw changes at you all the time, if you do not embrace them, then you will not get the full potential out of the experience," said Kemerling. "Aer meeting coach (Dave) DiIanni and the coaching staff, I had no hesitations." Kemerling didn't just have to adjust to the collegiate game and life as a collegiate student- athlete, but she also had to make the transition to a new position. Coming in as a defensive center midfielder, DiIanni and the coaching staff had other plans. "Coach DiIanni thought I was fine in the midfield, but thought they could use me at defensive center back," said Kemerling. "I hated it at first, but he kept teaching and I kept learning. It all fell into place." Aer the position switch, Kemerling became an anchor in the Iowa lineup and the defensive back line. She started 69 of 71 games throughout her career, becoming a leader for her team on and off the field. "We talk a lot about being a better student and soccer player throughout your four years at the University of Iowa and I think she is a great example of that," said DiIanni. "As she has gotten older and become a leader as a co-captain, she is someone who sticks up for standards, expectations, and holds people accountable." roughout her Hawkeye career, Kemerling grew as a player, a leader, and a person. "I have grown within myself and the ability to lead others," said Kemerling. "I have learned time management and discipline, then being a part of a team has caused me to look beyond myself." Kemerling persevered through ups and downs but has one piece of advice for her teammates as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. "I would say don't take anything for granted, even the hard things," said Kemerling. "In the moment you hate the fitness runs, fitness testing, and some drills, but when you look back on it, those are the things that develop who you are. ey make you a better player and person for embracing tough things." Iowa finished the 2018 season with eight wins, including four in Big Ten Conference play. e Hawkeyes won 32 games during Kemerling's four seasons.