By Carole King
Even as a freshman on the Lady Bulldogs Swim Team in 2025, Morgan McLenon’s fiercely competitive spirit caught coach Haley Marchant’s eye.
“Morgan has been swimming on the city’s summer rec team for several summers and came into the High School level this year as a fierce competitor,” Coach Marchant said.
In her first year on the high school team, Morgan finished the season earning a total of 284.5 points, and made Second Team at All League, finishing in the top five in three of her four events. She finished 3rd in 400 Free Relay, 4th in 200 Free Relay, and 5th in IM.
“Morgan’s positive attitude and effort to improve is part of why she is such a great athlete and an underclassman to watch. Her internal motivation to be an amazing swimmer is there,” Marchant said.
Morgan’s specialties are the 200 IM and the 100 Back, but she is also on the 400 and 200 A Relay teams. She also plays basketball (guard) and Tennis (doubles).
Morgan credits her parents, Gina and Andy McLenon, with her success in sports. “I would like to give a shoutout my parents for starting me young in all my sports,” Morgan says. “They are always helping me get better and driving me around.”
VYPE SPORTS had a chance to interview Morgan recently and is excited to present her as an “Underclassman to Watch.”
VYPE SPORTS: Morgan, what were your personal goals for the year?
To keep cutting time in all my events for the remaining of this season.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
Overall, I would say getting to bond with every member of my team, including the girls from Coffeyville that combines with Independence. We have such a fun and welcoming environment that I cherish more than anything.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Definitely Megan Foster. We swim in the same events, so we always practice together. Even when I really want to take a longer break or skip a rep, she always pushes me to give all I got. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without all her help and motivation,
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
We are all just one big family who all look out for each other. Especially my coach Haley Marchant, she has really brought back my spark for swimming and inspires me every day to be my best self. She believes in every single one of us girls and shows that every day.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
I am active in my schools Student Council, Fun Club, and FFA. I am also a very active member of the Valley Victors 4-H club.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
I qualified for State Tennis this past year as a freshman, and I also lettered in basketball as a freshman. I am also on a state qualifying Conduct of Chapter Meeting team for FFA.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Swim Team has taught me perseverance. Most people overlook swim team, but it is one of the most difficult and demanding sports. It can be hard but also is very rewarding. Swim team showed me that just because something is hard does not mean it is impossible. Work hard now and your work will pay off in the end.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
“Good, better best – never settle till your good is better and your better is best!”
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
My coach Haley Marchant. One conversation with Haley would easily show you her love and passion for swim team. She pushes me every day to get better and be the best I can be. Never once have I ever doubted her faith in me. She always has a positive attitude and a “can-do” spirit. She always makes me believe in myself and helps me get my anxious “pre-swim” thoughts out of the way!
Congratulations Morgan on a great Freshman season with the Independence Lady Bulldog Swim Team! Everyone here at VYPE SPORTS will be watching for you next year!
