'Surreal’: Claflin athlete turns determination into victory

Morgan Coverson–Springs on the podium at the NCAA championships.

For Morgan Coverson–Springs, competing at the NCAA Division Indoor Track and Field Championships was more than a race — it was the result of preparation, discipline and belief in her abilities.

Coverson-Springs, a Claflin sophomore double majoring in environmental science and Spanish, earned second place at the national competition, representing both herself and the university.

She described the achievement as “surreal.”

“In high school I didn’t really plan on running track in college; it was just something I did for fun,” Coverson-Springs said. “It still doesn’t feel real to this day.”

Placing in the top 3 at the NCAA championships was an eye opener, she said.

“It wasn’t on my radar, so the fact that I accomplished it just showed me I could do anything,” she said.

Coverson-Springs’ mindset before starting her race was to place in the top 8. 

“I told myself I wasn’t going to stress it,” she said. “I was just going to run my race and give it to God.”

She explained that during the race, she couldn’t see most of her competitors, only noticing one runner ahead of her and another beside her as they battled for position.

After her race, she didn’t see her name appear on the board, which left her unsure of her finishing position.

“It refreshed and I saw my name in second place. I jumped up and down — I was so surprised.”

While Coverson-Springs excels as an athlete, she is also a student.

Balancing academics and athletics can be a challenge, she said. “It definitely can be really stressful at times.”

She said sacrifices come with her commitment, including missing out on socializing with friends and attending parties.

“I have to make decisions that fit my best interest,” Coverson-Springs said.

She described her indoor season experience with the word “milestone.”

“Not only is this a milestone of what I’ve done, it’s a milestone of what I can do better or do more later,” she said.

Coverson-Springs’ short-term goal is to keep her rankings so she can compete in more than one event. 

Her long-term goal is to come back next year and win a national championship for the indoor season, but this time with first place.

“I’m very grateful for all the congratulations but in my head that was indoor 2026. It’s time for outdoor 2026,” Coverson-Springs said.