For decades, Norwin girls soccer has been among the elite teams in the WPIAL. Not only have the Knights enjoyed terrific success in the standings, but the program has produced a myriad of players who continued their career at the college ranks. Riley Morningstar shined in net during her time at Norwin, and she’s become one of the best keepers in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) with Penn State Behrend. Morningstar is under the microscope in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Morningstar made the Norwin varsity roster as a freshman in 2018. That season, the Knights went 15-3-0 overall, including a perfect mark of 12-0-0 in section play. As a result, Norwin qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, and defeated North Allegheny before falling to Peters Township in the semifinals.

The next year, Norwin compiled a mark of 18-3-0, again going 12-0-0 in the section. In the Class 4A postseason, the Knights defeated Fox Chapel Area and Seneca Valley to reach the title game. However, the Knights came up short against NA in the championship at Highmark Stadium. In the PIAA playoffs, Norwin lost to McDowell in the first round to conclude the campaign.

In 2020, Norwin went 9-3-1, including 8-1-1 in the section ledger. After qualifying for the Class 4A playoffs, the Knights lost to North Allegheny in the quarterfinals.

As a senior in 2021, Morningstar helped guide the Knights to a mark of 13-5-0, including 8-2-0 in the section. Norwin bested North Hills in the Class 4A playoffs, but came up short to Seneca Valley in the quarterfinals.

In addition to being a three-year letterwinner for the Norwin soccer team, Morningstar also garnered three letters in track and field, competing in the javelin and discus.

Her future was on the pitch, though, as she joined Penn State Behrend for the 2022 season. As a freshman goalkeeper that year, she played in four matches, including a pair of starts, registering a mark of 0-2-0 with a goals-against average of 2.20 and a save percentage of .739. That season, the Lions compiled a record of 8-10-1, including 6-1-0 in the AMCC. In the conference tournament, Behrend ousted Mount Aloysius but fell to the University of Pitt-Greensburg in double overtime in the championship match.

Last year, Morningstar emerged as a key component for the Lions, as she started 18 games, registering a mark of 11-5-2 with a GAA of 0.95, a save percentage of .790, and seven shutouts. As a result of her play, Morningstar was tabbed as a First-Team All-AMCC performer. Penn State Behrend achieved a record of 13-5-2, including 8-0-1 in the conference. In the AMCC Tournament, the Lions defeated Mount Aloysius and then edged UPG 1-0 via penalty kicks to capture the championship. Behrend won the shootout 3-0, as Morningstar made a pair of saves. For her heroics, Morningstar was selected to the AMCC All-Tournament team. As a result, Behrend qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament, falling to Rochester in the first round.

This year, Morningstar has made 14 starts, compiling a record of 12-2-0 with a goals-against average of 0.54 and a .794 save percentage, posting nine shutouts. To this point, the Lions have gone 13-2-0, including a perfect 6-0-0 in the AMCC.

Riley set aside time to field questions about her memories of the dramatic penalty kick scenario, her decision to attend Penn State Behrend, and her superstitions on game day.

Q: You have played the vast majority of minutes in net the past two seasons. What have been the biggest factors in you developing into the regular starter?

A: The biggest factor for me in developing into the regular starter would have to be building trust with the team. Going into a game where the backs are comfortable and know how you play makes it a whole different game. As I would play more consistently, I would grow more confidence in myself, which would also build the team's confidence in me. This has helped me grow significantly.

Q: What did it mean to you to be selected as First-Team All-AMCC last season?

A: This meant a lot to me. From not playing almost at all my freshman year to being a starter the following year and selected as First-Team All-AMCC last season was such an honor. Although, it wouldn't have been possible without the rest of my team's hard work and dedication on the field. They all have really pushed me to be the keeper I am today.

Q: What is an underappreciated aspect of playing goalkeeper?

A: An underappreciated aspect of a keeper is the mental game. Many don't realize how mental being a keeper is. Keepers work under insane pressure that often is overlooked. Knowing that one mistake by a keeper could cost the whole game can be very intimidating. The ability to handle that pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and remain focused is a highly demanding but underappreciated aspect of the position.

Q: You were instrumental in your team winning the AMCC title last year via penalty kicks. What do you remember most about the PK sequence?

A: Going through the PKs last year, I just remember being in net and everything in slow motion almost. I was on the line and the only focus was on the ball and the shooter - everything else didn't matter. I remember not even knowing which way I was going to dive as I was on the line. Everything was pure reaction. Then I remember the aftermath of my team running to me and the feeling on top of the world.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for this season?

A: This season, our team’s goal is to keep the AMCC title in our name. We want to come out strong in every game and show dominance early. Personally, my goal is to keep composure when the ball is at my feet, because it helps keep the team calm in other stressful situations.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Penn State Behrend?

A: I chose Penn State Behrend not only for their soccer program, but for the education. I knew that I wasn't going to play soccer for the rest of my life, so I wanted to come to a school where I was able to get a good education. At a branch campus of Penn State, I am still able to get a Penn State degree while attending smaller-sized classes. Another factor was that my brother attends here, as well. Moving away from home was hard, but knowing I still had family around was going to make it easier to transition.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is nursing. I am still exploring which type of nurse I want to be because there are so many different options and pathways in this career.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college course?

A: I definitely would say my most enjoyable college course was pathophysiology. Although it was challenging, I think my professor made it very enjoyable and easy to understand.

Q: You also competed in track and field in high school. What do you enjoy most about that sport?

A: Track and field allowed me to focus on my individual performance while also contributing to a team’s overall success in competitions.

Q: Norwin has produced dozens of college women's soccer players. What makes that program such a hotbed for college talent?

A: I think that Norwin girls soccer does a great job with making their athletes hungry to win. I remember being on the high school team and hating losing. Nobody likes to lose, especially us. At times when we did fall short, our coaches would push us to the next level and make us work harder than before. It was not only our coaches, it was our own personal drive.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: In high school, my best memory was definitely making some of my lifelong friends.

Q: If you could change one rule about college soccer, what would it be?

A: If I could change one rule, it would probably be using VAR in college soccer. I think this would help the referee with difficult situations where no one would be happy with their call. With the VAR, I think it would make things more fair all around.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before, during, or after a match?

A: Yes, before every game I have to bounce a tennis ball off the wall. It not only helps my eyes and my hands, but also gets my brain to start working. Another thing I like to do is have my lucky water bottle with me at all times before the game (even during warmups), but during the game, it must be on the bench.

Q: Who would you choose to portray you in a movie about your life?

A: I would choose Jennifer Aniston because she is very authentic and down to earth, but still has a good sense of humor.

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because I get to spend time with my family and eat good food!