Getting to Know Morgan Bertsch
FULLERTON, Calif. – In February, Cal State Fullerton women's soccer head coach Demian Brown inked his 2014 signing class to National Letters of Intent.
Throughout the spring, FullertonTitans.com will "Get to Know" the newest Titans, that will step on campus for the 2014-15 academic year.
The first 2014 Titan signee to join FullertonTitans.com for the Q&A is goalkeeper Morgan Bertsch of Simi Valley, Calif.
FullertonTitans.com: Why did you decide to attend Cal State Fullerton and play for the Titans?
Morgan: As soon as I walked into the stadium, I was interested. Watching the team, I loved the way they played. Meeting some of the current student-athletes was awesome, and they made me feel so comfortable and welcome. The coaches are so positive and so genuine, but what really sold me on Fullerton was the family atmosphere of the team - the way the players interact in the locker room, as well as, the quotes on the wall like "this team is your family, and family comes first." I was really looking for a team that I could call my family, and I believe I will have that at Fullerton.
FullertonTitans.com: How long have you been playing goalkeeper, and what interested you about that position?
Morgan: I have been a goalkeeper since my very first year of club soccer when I was 7 or 8. I started as a goalie in ice hockey because my big brother was a goalie in hockey, so of course I wanted to be just like him. As soon as my club soccer coach heard I was a goalie in hockey, he stuck me in the goal and it's been my home ever since.
FullertonTitans.com: You played club soccer with fellow signees Kim Braddock and Lindsay Stasinis, so what are your thoughts about continuing to play with them in college?
Morgan: I still can't believe that I get to play college soccer with Kim and Lindsay. I've played with Lindsay since I was 7, and with Kim since I was 11, so they are truly two of my closest friends. I never could have imagined that we would be attending college together. I've always loved watching them get better and blossom into amazing soccer players and amazing people. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
FullertonTitans.com: If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you be playing?
Morgan: I would definitely be playing ice hockey. It ties soccer for my favorite sport, and I miss playing it a lot! I watch hockey all the time too, I'm a diehard Los Angeles Kings fan.
FullertonTitans.com: What are your hobbies/activities away from the field?
Morgan: I really like to sing. I'm also trying to learn the guitar. Music in general is a hobby of mine. I'm always listening to music or singing something.
FullertonTitans.com: What should Cal State Fullerton fans know about you?
Morgan: I am a triplet. We call ourselves "Triple Threat," it's Kim, Lindsay and I.
FullertonTitans.com: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Morgan: People might be surprised to know that my favorite athlete is not Hope Solo, or even a soccer player. Jonathan Quick is my favorite athlete - he's the goalie for the Los Angeles Kings. I wear #32 because of him.
FullertonTitans.com: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
Morgan: I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little 'stitious. Kim, Lindsay and I have a handshake that we do before matches. After that, I jump and hang on the crossbar, walk up to the six-yard box, dig my foot into the grass, grab some grass, and toss it. Then I back up and tap the crossbar with the back of my hand. It's kind of weird but all goalies are a little weird.