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cavalier profile Morgan Stearns First-Year • Soccer When Morgan Stearns made the long journey from San Antonio to Charlottesville for her first year at the University of Virginia, she didn't know what to expect. Being the starting goalie for the No. 1 team in the country wasn't even in the back of her mind, but that is exactly what has transpired. The Hoos got off to the best start in program history — completing the regular season with a record of 19-0-0 — and Stearns has been a big part of that in her first year as a Cavalier. "It's been a big change," Stearns said of the jump from high school to college. "The level of play is so much different, and this year has been a lot more stressful so far, but I'm just happy to be a part of it." The 5-10 shot stopper from Johnson High School in Texas racked up the accolades in girls' soccer as a prep star. Stearns led Johnson to the 2013 state semifinals and earned a spot on the all-state team as a senior. Stearns did not start in UVa's opener against VCU, but head coach Steve Swanson then inserted her into the lineup — which has proven to be a great decision. Stearns recorded 27 saves and surrendered just six goals for a sparkling 0.46 goals-against average while seeing action in 14 of 19 games. "All of the coaches have really helped me with the transition," Stearns said. "I just did what the coaches asked of me, and I knew it would be difficult to come in and get the starting job, but that's what I did." Stearns is no stranger to high-level competition. She has been part of the USA National Team's U-15 and U-17 teams, which played in World Cup competitions. She is currently on the U-20 squad and hopes to one day play in the Women's World Cup. "Playing on those teams has been great for me," Stearns said. "It's very good competition and it definitely got me ready for what I was going to see on the college level." As for now, Stearns is just concentrating on the task at hand, which is being a big part of the best college soccer team in the country, as well as just trying to be a normal college student. — Brandon Lloyd ◆ Photo by Jim Daves/courtesy UVa i30.CP-Morgan Stearns.indd 51 11/5/13 1:40 PM