Entering the final game of her five-year career in an ASU uniform, redshirt senior goalkeeper Chandler Morris is grateful for the friends she made and the opportunities she received during her time in Tempe.
After the 2014 season, one that she thought would be her last as a Sun Devil, Morris decided to come back and make use of her fifth year of eligibility. As a result, Morris now holds the school record for career shutouts with 25 and has made a significant mark on the program.
On Wednesday The State Press spoke with Morris about her difficult decision to come back for what ended up being her second senior season.
What went into your decision to return for your fifth year at ASU?
(The team and I) just got back from Spain, and I hadn't played with everybody like that in a couple months. I just realized how much I miss it and how I'm never going to get this opportunity back, you know? I'm not going to be able to do this again, so I just tried to bend over backwards to make it work with school, work and soccer. Thankfully, Kevin (Boyd) was really flexible with helping me do that. I just realized that this is where I wanted to be and I was going to do everything to make it happen.
Do you think you made the right decision now that you hold the school record for shutouts?
It wasn't really about (the record), it was about being able to play and finish something. I think I would have been really upset with myself if I didn't (come back). I would do it all again. I would give up anything just to have one more year.
Have you tried to mentor the younger goalkeepers on the team in your time as a Sun Devil?
We have great coaches, but I love the other two (goalkeepers) that I've had with me. We pushed each other every day at practice and that was great. I'm very much a person who tries to lead by example, so I hope that I was able to do a good job with that.
What are the emotions like now that you're approaching the final game of your career?
I'm trying not to think about it. I think after every game this year I was a little bit more emotional than last year. Now that I kinda saw what it's like out there (without soccer), each one of these games has been really special.
How has your experience playing collegiate soccer affected you as a person?
It's just really appreciating what you have and being able to put everything into being present at that time. Just enjoying every second you have with your teammates. Thinking about it now, this could be the last time that we're all together in one place. Past teammates graduated, moved back home, got jobs, and they're all over the country. After graduation you don't know if you'll be able to have everybody get together again.
Morris and the Sun Devils finish off their 2015 season on Friday with a Territorial Cup match against No. 23 Arizona in Tucson. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. Arizona time on Pac-12 Networks.
Reach the reporter at rclarke6@asu.edu or follow @RClarkeASU on Twitter.
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