Soccer player in a white jersey dribbling the ball on a green field. Number 5 on the back.

Silent Strength. Lasting Legacy.

From a three-year-old chasing a ball to a senior leading on and off the field, my journey is built on passion, resilience, and connection.

As a Senior Women’s Soccer player at Western Colorado University, my journey has been defined by a love for the game that began at age three. Soccer is more than competition for me; it is about connection, leadership, and resilience. My proudest accomplishment is the team culture I built in high school, where every player felt included and valued, a legacy that saved a life. I carry this mindset into every season, holding onto the joy of playing. Soccer has taught me invaluable lessons in silent strength, time management, and discipline, all of which prepare me for a future in physical therapy. My identity as an athlete is rooted in the relationships I have built, the lessons I have learned, and the legacy I aim to leave behind.

Soccer player in a gray jersey with the number 5 on her back, holding a ball on the field.
Soccer player in a white jersey dribbling the ball on a green field. Number 5 on the back.

Silent Strength. Lasting Legacy.

From a three-year-old chasing a ball to a senior leading on and off the field, my journey is built on passion, resilience, and connection.

As a Senior Women’s Soccer player at Western Colorado University, my journey has been defined by a love for the game that began at age three. Soccer is more than competition for me; it is about connection, leadership, and resilience. My proudest accomplishment is the team culture I built in high school, where every player felt included and valued, a legacy that saved a life. I carry this mindset into every season, holding onto the joy of playing. Soccer has taught me invaluable lessons in silent strength, time management, and discipline, all of which prepare me for a future in physical therapy. My identity as an athlete is rooted in the relationships I have built, the lessons I have learned, and the legacy I aim to leave behind.

Soccer player in a gray jersey with the number 5 on her back, holding a ball on the field.

Proudly Presented By

OffCenter Designs

OffCenter Designs is more than a creative studio; they are a driving force in supporting local talent and strengthening the Western Colorado community. From screenprinting and embroidery to custom signs, wraps, and banners, their team blends artistry with precision to bring ideas to life. Led by siblings Kirsten and Johnny, OffCenter thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the people they serve. Their support of Karly’s journey reflects their belief in building a lasting legacy through hard work, passion, and community spirit. Learn more about OffCenter Designs and their work across the region.

Logo for OffCenter Designs: Green geometric shapes with bold black text

Proudly Presented By

OffCenter Designs

OffCenter Designs is more than a creative studio; they are a driving force in supporting local talent and strengthening the Western Colorado community. From screenprinting and embroidery to custom signs, wraps, and banners, their team blends artistry with precision to bring ideas to life. Led by siblings Kirsten and Johnny, OffCenter thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the people they serve. Their support of Karly’s journey reflects their belief in building a lasting legacy through hard work, passion, and community spirit. Learn more about OffCenter Designs and their work across the region.

Logo for OffCenter Designs: Green geometric shapes with bold black text

"There’s so much more to the game than competition — it’s about connection, support, and using your platform to lift others up"

"There’s so much more to the game than competition — it’s about connection, support, and using your platform to lift others up"

2024

  • College Sports Communicators NCAA Division II Academic All-District Team
  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)All-Academic Honor Roll
  • Started all 16 games played, logging 1,229 minutes (nearly 77 minutes per game)

2023

  • All-RMAC Honorable Mention
  • RMAC Academic Honor Roll
  • Played in 17 of 18 games, starting 13
  • Six full 90-minute games and two games with at least 85 minutes, totaling 1,225 minutes on the season

Awards

&

Recognitions

Milestones that reflect my commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

2024

  • College Sports Communicators NCAA Division II Academic All-District Team
  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)All-Academic Honor Roll
  • Started all 16 games played, logging 1,229 minutes (nearly 77 minutes per game)

2023

  • All-RMAC Honorable Mention
  • RMAC Academic Honor Roll
  • Played in 17 of 18 games, starting 13
  • Six full 90-minute games and two games with at least 85 minutes, totaling 1,225 minutes on the season


Awards

&

Recognitions

Milestones that reflect my commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

"A pivotal moment in my athletic career that shaped my identity as both an athlete and a person was committing to continue my academic and athletic journey at Western Colorado University. Every ‘no’ is simply a step closer to the right ‘yes.’"

My Story in My Words

  • What is your proudest accomplishment as an athlete?

    "During my senior year of high school, I made it my mission as a leader to ensure every single teammate felt included, valued, and loved. On my senior night, I learned that effort had made a life-changing impact. It had saved a life. That moment completely shifted my perspective on what it truly means to be a teammate."

  • What advice would you give your younger self?

    "Never forget why you started playing the sport you love. Through the highs and lows, hold on to the joy of passing the ball with your friends and being fully present in the moment. That joy is the reason I fell in love with the game."

  • How does your athletic career influence your future?

    "Athletics taught me resilience, discipline, and what I call silent strength. It is about showing up and working hard even when no one is watching. Those lessons will guide me as a future physical therapist, where the goal is always to show up for patients, no matter the challenges."

  • What values or qualities have you developed through athletics?

    "I have learned that true leadership is about setting the standard, caring deeply about those around you, and earning respect through your actions, not attention. That is the kind of leader I strive to be."

  • How have you handled challenges like injuries or self-doubt?

    "Setbacks are not detours. They are part of the journey. Once I took ownership of my mindset and challenged the voice of doubt with belief in myself, everything began to shift. I became a different kind of athlete, one who plays with purpose, self-trust, and resilience."

Stay Connected with Karly Morkunas

Join me on this journey and stay connected as we inspire each other through the love of soccer!

Stay Connected with

Karly Morkunas

Join me on this journey and stay connected as we inspire each other through the love of soccer!