Morgan Knight went on an overnight visit with the North Central College women’s track and field team in December, and the team’s family atmosphere made a strong impression on the Rochelle Township High School senior graduate.

The Lady Hub standout loved her time spent at the college, and when RTHS hosted its Signing Day Ceremony this past month, Knight made her decision to join the North Central College women’s track and field program official, signing her National Letter of Intent to run with the Cardinals. Knight said she plans to study secondary education.

“I’m looking forward to being able to focus on track and see what else I’m capable of doing in track,” Knight said. “I’ve always loved school and I hope to one day have as big of an impact on other teenagers’ lives as my teachers and coaches have had on me.”

Knight has been a track and field athlete for eight years, and her first experience running came when her third-grade teacher had her run laps every morning at school so she and her classmates could work off some energy. Knight qualified for the IHSA State Championships three times throughout her high school career, and she was also a member of Rochelle’s volleyball and basketball programs.

“I knew that I wanted to do track as soon as I could,” Knight said. “Running at RTHS helped me develop a lot of skills that will help me at the next level. My coaches taught me many lessons about track and life that will also help me.”

Knight was part of the Rochelle 1600-meter relay team that medaled twice over her final two years at RTHS, and the senior graduate also helped Rochelle for the state meet in the 400-meter and 800-meter relays two years in a row. For Knight, sports have always been a way for her to relieve stress, and she will be ready for the challenges that await her in college.

“I’ve always been a pretty good student,” Knight said. “School always comes first, so it takes a lot of time management to be dedicated in both school and sports.”