Albert Einstein once coined the phrase that "it is the supreme art of the teacher to awake joy in creative expression and knowledge." While Einstein never crossed paths with former Salem College soccer and lacrosse standout Samantha (Hope) Morrison, he would have certainly agreed that Morrison's bubbly personality and smile would mark the sign of creative expression.
Morrison also epitomized the knowledge part, earning All-Academic honors from the USA South Conference in in each of her four years at Salem (2016-2020). In her sophomore season (2017-18), Morrison was one of 13 Salem student-athletes to finish each semester with a 3.90 GPA.
Morrison came to Salem after graduating from North Iredell High School, where she was a three-sport athlete that competed in basketball, soccer and cross country. She finished up a highly-decorated prep career that resulted in Defensive Player of the Year (2013) and All-Conference (2015-16) honors in basketball.
A competitor in cross country, she was named All-Conference in 2014, 2015 and 2016, earning the team's Raider Award at the close of the 2015 campaign. In soccer, Morrison's team reached the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playoffs in both 2015 and 2016. Individually, she earned Best Offensive Player (2014), Most Valuable Player (2015) and as Raider Award winner (2016) on the pitch as well.
Morrison made an impact in the classroom at North Iredell as well, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors as well as being a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and National Technical Honor Society.
A native of Harmony, N.C., Morrison left her mark in the history books of both the Salem lacrosse and soccer teams when her career came to a close in 2020. A two-time letterwinner in lacrosse, she started in 20 of 23 games, scored nine goals, handed out one assist and gobbled up 56 ground balls. She netted a single-season career-high five goals in 2020 for the Spirits, which tied her alongside Anzley Kemmerer for fourth-most on the team.
The energetic Morrison also accounted for 30 draw controls, 25 caused turnovers and 21 shots on goal in her lacrosse career.
On the pitch, Morrison played 59 matches for the Spirits' soccer team, making 11 starts along the way. She netted five goals, handed out two assists and tallied 12 points in her four-year career. Her best statistical season came in 2018 when she came through with three goals and an assist on 19 shots (8 SOG).
One of eight seniors on the 2019 Salem soccer unit, Morrison and her teammates were responsible for a combined 53-24-2 mark over a four-year stretch, posting a 28-7-1 record in USA South Conference action.
Morrison recently discussed competing in both soccer and lacrosse at Salem over the course of her collegiate career and provided the following answers:
Name (including maiden name): Hope Morrison
Sport(s) played: Soccer and Lacrosse
Year of Graduation: 2020
Degree(s) Earned: Bachelors of Art in History
What is your fondest sports moment during your career at Salem College?
MORRISON: Pre-seasons were a great time that pushed us physically and bonded us as a team. I will miss the long bus rides where we found creative ways to sleep and the loud jam sesh in the locker rooms that got everyone pumped to go.
Who was the teammate or coach that inspired you the most while playing at Salem?
MORRISON: I would say Collette Vladimery from Lacrosse. Coco went through so much during her athletic career at Salem and she is such a skilled and hardworking player. I always respect her hustle and skills on the field. She deserves the world!
How has your degree from Salem helped you to achieve success in the business world?
MORRISON: I was able to get a teaching job right out of college, which has helped me become more independent in my life.
What team concept(s) have you applied in your business and personal life that have proven beneficial after competing at Salem?
MORRISON: I have been helping with the Men's soccer team at North Stanly High School (where I also teach American I to Juniors), so I have been applying a lot of what I learned as a player from Salem. I have definitely aimed to make soccer an enjoyable experience for my kids, which is a take away from Salem sports.
What advice would you give to student-athletes interested in playing at Salem?
MORRISON: It is a unique opportunity that you would not want to miss!
What moment did you share/experience with a teammate(s) at Salem that bonded the team forever that season?
MORRISON: When we got a new coach junior year for soccer, the whole team bonded as it was a fresh start for us and an opportunity to become closer. Going through the interview process and having so much involvement in who would potentially be our new coach was super nice.
What advice did you receive while playing at Salem that you apply to the course of your everyday life?
MORRISON: Embracing that I am a strong woman who has a lot to offer the world and that I can overcome challenges thrown at me.