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BALTIMORE, Md. (Aug. 29, 2024) -- On August 28th, 2024, Morgan State University's Athletics hosted its annual Welcome Back banquet at the Talmadge L. Hill Field House.The much-anticipated event marked the commencement of the new academic and athletic year and set the stage for future successes.
 
The banquet featured several speakers and guests, including Director of Athletics and Vice President Dena Freeman-Patton, University President David K. Wilson, and Dr. Kevin M. Banks, the Vice President for Student Affairs, as well as student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and supporters.  The inclusion of Queen HD, a renowned Baltimore native and the official DJ for the Washington Spirit women's soccer team, brought a touch of local flavor and further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere of the evening.

AD/VP Freeman-Patton  delivered an inspiring speech that highlighted the accomplishments of the previous year and set a motivational tone for the upcoming season. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing academics while developing a championship mindset on and off the field, track, or mat. The student-athletes were also encouraged to strive for excellence and envision themselves as champions.

President Wilson spoke on setting a strong presence for success and academic excellence. He stated, "When you put on the Morgan uniform, there is an expectation: take your academics seriously and become a fierce competitor; the third area will come naturally, and you are going to be successful."

Trinity Carruthers, a multifaceted senior from Grand Prairie, Texas, stands out not only as a team captain on the volleyball team but also as the president and awards chair of the esteemed Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). SAAC serves as a vital organization within the athletic program, empowering student-athletes to shape their experiences through initiatives that foster growth, both on and off the field.

Carruthers outlined three main goals for SAAC for this year: service, advocacy, and elevating the student-athlete experience at Morgan State.

In her speech, Carruthers encouraged her peers to emphasize energy, passion, and drive. 

"Challenge yourselves to make the most of this year," said Carruthers. "Set ambitious goals, and always remember you are part of something bigger than yourself."
 

2024-2025 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

President & Awards Chair: Trinity Carruthers (Volleyball)
Vice President: Antonio Sims (Track and Field)
Secretary: Gianna Ettore (Softball)
Treasurer: Indirah Mitter (Acrobatics and Tumbling)
Career Development Chair: Tyrah Weems (Volleyball)
Public Relations Chair: Teylyn Neal (Cheerleading)
Student-Athlete Life & Engagement Chair: Carrington Beaman (Bowling) 
Student-Athlete Community Service Outreach Chair: Jael Butler (Basketball) 
Social Media Chair: A'Lycia Moore (Acrobatics and Tumbling)

The event concluded with the "We Are The Bear" fight song, led by the Cheer Bears, alongside the University's world-renowned Magnificent Marching Machine, which energized the crowd. This was followed by a reception, where athletes were presented with new athletic T-shirts featuring "The National Treasure" on the front and "#BEARRESPECT" on the sleeves, as well as academic planners.
 

UPCOMING DATES: 
▸ Morgan State Lady Bears Volleyball team will compete this weekend in the Morgan/Towson Annual Invitational, with games taking place at both Hill Field House and Towson University.

▸ Cross country teams kicks off the season on Friday, August 30 at Goucher College, when it takes part in the Baltimore Metro Meet for the first time since the 2014 campaign.

▸ The Morgan State football team will square-off with the Hampton Pirates in Hampton, Virginia, on Saturday, August 31, at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed live on Flosports.
 

FOLLOW US IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
            Facebook: /MorganStateBears
            Twitter: @MorganStBears
            Instagram: /MorganStateBears
 
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.