Isabella Garza

Morgan Koop enjoys spectating girls soccer from the perspective of a former player.

With her hair pulled back and a roll of white tape always in hand, her first priority is to rush to the side of an injured player. In the training room, she works quickly and calmly, checking players and asking, “Where does it hurt?” On the field, Fresno Christian athletics trainer and alumna Morgan Koop is the first to run out when someone goes down — focused and steady while the crowd waits.

More than just the expert ankle taper on the sidelines, Koop is the heartbeat of the athletics program. She possesses a steady, calming presence that makes people feel safe right away. While listening closely, speaking with certainty and staying calm even in stressful situations, her confidence spreads to everyone around her. 

During Koop’s time at FC as a student, she developed a love for sports and helping athletes perform at their best. She attended Fresno Christian from kindergarten through senior year, graduating in the class of 2016. She played soccer through the athletics program, being captain her senior year. 

“Being a student athlete when I was attending [FC] is much different than what I see now,” Koop said. “There is a lot more community in sports at FCS currently than back when I was here.”

After graduating, Koop attended California State University, Fresno, receiving a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science.

Today, she has come full circle, returning to FC to support and train the next generation of student athletes at the very school that helped shape her journey.

“Fresno Christian is a safe place for me. I grew up at this school; it helped shape me into the person I am today,” Koop said. “But most of all, I want to give back a vital resource that student athletes could use that I never had.”

Fresno Christian has not had a dedicated athletic trainer position for all sports in the past; Koop recently took the position within the last year.

Athletic trainers play a key role in ensuring the health, safety and success of student athletes across all sports programs. Serving as a daily presence at practices and games, the trainer provides injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation.

Koop also supports athletes as they balance competition, academics and personal growth. Student athletes feel the impact of that care firsthand. Sophomore Elle Johnson, who plays basketball, volleyball and beach volleyball, feels reassurance having a trainer consistently available.

“Morgan always makes physical therapy so fun, even when the workouts are hard,” Johnson said. “She always celebrates the smallest victories in my improvement, which really pushed me to keep going.”

Through dedication, expertise and compassion, Koop helps create a safe and supportive environment where student athletes can grow physically, mentally and spiritually. She has a small whiteboard in her training room where students can draw pictures or leave notes for her.

Assistant boys basketball Coach Dante Washington believes an athletic trainer’s role goes far beyond providing physical therapy; they are the backbone of a successful program.

“I believe the athletic trainer’s role in injury prevention and treatment is key when student athletes are in need,” Washington said. “Our trainer is knowledgeable enough to handle these matters with our student athletes’ safety being a primary concern.”

Koop admires all aspects of the FC athletic program and hopes to make an impact across campus in years to come. If you see Morgan around campus, give a friendly smile or say “thank you.”

To read more from The Feather, visit Column: Mens fashion finds its balance in the grey area or Fresno Christian hosts memorable events for spring semester.