Former FPD standout Morgan Johnson Faulk will soon be inducted into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame after an amazing career as a Blazer at Valdosta State University. Morgan is only the sixth softball student-athlete to be inducted into the GSC Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Valdosta State University Hall of Fame in January 2020.
“Being recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee has been humbling, especially at the conference level,” said Morgan. “I am honored to represent my university with this induction. I hope that it provides more visibility for a school that I love. “
Upon hearing the news of Morgan’s recognition, FPD Athletic Director, Greg Moore, commented, “Viking Nation is so proud of Morgan! She’s a great example to all of our young athletes, and we celebrate with her such an unbelievable accomplishment.”
Morgan at Valdosta State University
Morgan played for Valdosta from 2010-2013. She helped lead VSU to the first national championship in softball for both the school and the Gulf State Conference. She earned first team All-America honors from Daktronics and third team honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Rounding out the awards, she also won the GSC Commissioner’s Trophy twice, becoming one of only seven players in league history to do so.
In the community, Morgan volunteered at Storehouse Ministry, which helps feed the homeless as well as packing food boxes for shut-ins. She also organized and conducted free softball clinics for young children and helped organize the VSU softball blood drive. In 2012, she was named the Valdosta State Community Service Student-Athlete Award winner.
Morgan likewise excelled in the classroom. She graduated from VSU with a 3.69 GPA in nursing in 2013 and a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner from VSU in 2017. She is now a Nurse Practitioner at OrthoGeorgia.
Looking Back at FPD Days
Looking back on her days at FPD, Morgan has some wonderful memories. One of the best is the Viking’s state championship win in 2007. “We lost the year before, but we worked towards a common goal and succeeded with essentially the same team. It was a very proud and exciting time for us,” remembers Morgan. “Our team was very special and spent a lot of time together off the field. This improved our communication and teamwork during some stressful and high-pressure games.”
Remarks for Former Coaches
Morgan also had some very kind words to say to her former coaches – Jim Turner, Bobby Jones, and Wayne Hotchkiss.
“I would like to thank Coach Turner for his lasting impact on me as a softball player,” said Morgan. “He invested a lot of time in my game since I was in the 8th grade and always encouraged me to be better than I was the day before. His confidence in me did not waiver and I’m so thankful I was able to play for him during my time at FPD.”
“I am also thankful for the immense knowledge and high expectations that Coach Bobby Jones imparted on me during my high school career,” she continued. “He never let me settle for being good enough and brought a sense of mental toughness to my game. Coach Wayne Hotchkiss lent his time as well despite having a full-time job outside of coaching. His personality and excitement for the game was contagious, and he brought a sense of calm and balance during tough times. All three of these men continued to be my cheerleaders throughout my career at VSU and into my professional career. I could never fully express my gratitude for them.”