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12/09/2020 11:00 PMThe Morgan girls’ soccer team saw its fall season get cut short abruptly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for senior captain Carley Schmidt, the 2020 campaign was still as special as it gets.
Carley started playing soccer at age four and was a member of Huskies’ varsity squad for all four years of high school. While playing both forward and midfielder, Carley became one of the top players in the Shoreline Conference.
Carley finished her high school career with 34 goals and 17 assists for Morgan, including eight goals and two assists in the shortened 2020 season. She was an All-Shoreline Conference Second Team selection as a sophomore and then earned All-Shoreline First Team honors in her junior and senior seasons.
Although the Huskies didn’t get to compete in the Shoreline Conference Tournament, Carley and her teammates appreciated the fact that they were able to play 10 games this fall. Morgan posted a record of 5-2-3 on the year and finished its season with a 3-0 win versus Coginchaug on Nov. 4.
“My favorite moment this season was our game against Coginchaug. After a very tough season, we were able to get our final win against a very talented team,” says Carley, who had two assists in the victory. “I think we really played as a team and played some of the best soccer we had all season. Being my last game at Morgan, it is one that I will never forget.”
Carley turned in plenty of quality performances for Morgan throughout the season. On Oct. 6, Carley recorded a hat trick within the first 28 minutes of the game when the Huskies claimed a 9-0 win over Hale-Ray. Then on Oct. 9, the senior captain netted the lone goal of the contest when Morgan earned a 1-1 draw against Valley Regional.
In the end, Carley enjoyed the experience of hitting the pitch one final time alongside her Huskies’ teammates this year.
“Morgan girls’ soccer is an amazing group of girls, and I have built so many friendships and connections because of it,” Carley says. “It has become my second family. We have always played for each other and motivated each other to be the best we can, which is something I have always enjoyed.”
Carley extends a lot of credit to Head Coach Steve Sullivan. As a result of her dedication to the sport, Carley had earned an opportunity to play soccer at Eastern Connecticut State University in fall 2021.
“I have a great relationship with my head coach, Sully. He is by far the best coach that I have had. I would not be half the player I am today without him,” says Carley. “Not only did he help me on the field, but he has always been there for me and has had a big impact on my life. I couldn’t have asked for better coaches for my high school career.”
Coach Sullivan calls Carley one of Morgan’s most dynamic players because of her ability to create scoring chances and then capitalize on them with regularity.
“Carley has been a very dynamic player for Morgan girls’ soccer throughout her high school career. She has been a four-year varsity member and a three-year starter,” Sullivan says. “Playing primarily as a forward each season, Carley’s athletic ability and versatility has allowed me, at times, to move her back into the midfield when needed. As a forward, she would often draw double-team situations to try and keep her in check. She is blessed with great speed and tenacity and has been our greatest scoring threat the past two years.”
Aside from soccer, Carley also competed for Morgan’s girls’ indoor track and lacrosse teams in her sophomore and junior years of high school. In addition to suiting up for the Huskies, Carley also plays soccer for South Central Premier during the winter and spring in order to keep her skills sharp.
“In my free time, I always take the opportunity to get some touches on the ball to improve my skills,” says Carley. “I spend most of my free time hanging out with friends, spending time with family, and at the gym.”
Carley is also dedicated to success in the classroom. She is an honors student at Morgan who has received academic awards in the subjects of history and sculpture.
Carley is eager to keep striving for academic and athletic excellence when she attends Eastern.
“I am looking forward to college and continuing my soccer career at the next level, as well as studying health sciences to pursue physical therapy,” Carley says. “I plan on attending Eastern Connecticut State University and being a part of the women’s soccer program.”