Indiana University Athletics
Morgan Miller - New Role, Same Goal
10/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 9, 2006
When you ask senior captain Morgan Miller what she wants to accomplish this season, the answer is simple - win a Big Ten title. After finishing runner-up in the regular season and the conference tournament last season, Miller and the Hoosiers are more determined then ever to bring home the trophy. Although Miller's role as a captain is new, the task of becoming a champion remains the same.
Prior to the start of the season, Miller's teammates elected her as one of three captains for 2006. It is a challenge she treasures.
"It was an honor to be named a captain, especially since the team voted on it," Miller said. "As the center back, I need to be able to command the defense and communicate. This year as a team captain, I know the team and (head coach) Amy (Robertson) are counting on me for leadership, both on and off the field. The leadership role I have taken this year is very different, but one I am enjoying and very proud of."
Miller is a four-year starter who personifies the growth of the program.
"When I was a freshman, it was really hard," Miller said. "Of course, there are a lot of changes from the high school game to the college game, but I wanted to win. I followed my older sister's career at Iowa, and I wanted to play for a program that was just as successful. My freshman year, we were 8-12 and last year we were 17-5. It's been amazing to see this program grow and it has been more amazing to be apart of it."
Miller is quick to credit Robertson and sixth-year assistant Gina Lucido for the success of the program. Miller believes that if it was not for their vision and determination, IU field hockey wouldn't be where it is today.
"All of this program's success is a direct reflection of Amy and all of her hard work," Miller said. "She and Gina believed they could make Indiana one of the top teams in the country, and they did just that in a short amount of time. She started with a club team, and six seasons later has a team that is leading the Big Ten and has been nationally ranked for two years."
As all of the years of hard work are coming to fruition for the Hoosiers, something is still missing - a Big Ten Championship. Miller is determined to lead the Hoosiers in achieving their goal.
"I get chills just thinking of how close we are to a Big Ten title," Miller said. "I definitely think we have some unfinished business in terms of winning a Big Ten Championship. Last year, we let it slip away twice. I don't want to leave IU and look back and think about something that was so close to ours."
Always unselfish, Miller believes the program, her teammates and coaches are far more deserving of a Big Ten title than herself.
"I want to share a Big Ten title with this team so much," Miller said. "Winning the conference championship isn't so much something I want for myself, as it is something I want for this team and this program."
Miller has been instrumental to the Hoosiers' success. Despite all of the achievement, her career is defined by the friendships made off the field.
"I would have to say last week when we beat Ohio State is one of my best games, but the times I share with my teammates after a big win when we take a cool-down lap is what I would say are what I will remember the most about Indiana," Miller said. "When I look to my right left and see some of my best friends, I feel a sense of accomplishment. It is those moments that will stay with me long after the season ends."
