July 23, 2024
Salt Lake City, Utah
University of Utah Women’s Division 1 Hockey has received a commitment from Defense Morgan LaValley for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
LaValley was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and has played hockey her whole life. She grew up watching her older brother play and learned to skate with her younger brother. When she first joined hockey, she was on a boy’s mite team. After 3 years of playing with just boys, she joined an all-girls team, and that’s when she fell in love with the game.
She went on to play in the 10u and 12u levels and when she was in 8th grade and ready to try out for the 15u level, she tried out for the Proctor High School team instead. That risky decision paid off and she joined Proctor-Hermantown Mirage Hockey as an 8th grader.
During the past 5 years, LaValley helped the team win their section championship and advance to the Minnesota State High School Hockey League (MSHSL) State Girls Hockey Tournament 4 times. During her senior year, she averaged 1 goal and/or 1 assist per game. Her overall Mirage career stats are 11 goals, 25 assists, and a total of 36 points.
Additional hockey achievements she is proud of include playing in the North American Female Elite Showcase representing Team Minnesota Girls and being named Defensemen of the Tournament as well as nominated for Player of the Game.
She also advanced to the USA Hockey Girls 15 Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, MN with 2 of her teammates. She has participated in USA Hockey Development Camps for the last 4 years and as well as made it to the Final 54 rounds.
Outside of hockey and school, she enjoys being at the cabin with her family and being out on the lake wake surfing, skiing, and tubing. She can also be found at the gym or walking/jogging with her dog, Levi.
“I have dreamt of playing collegiate hockey since I was little and I am extremely excited, honored, and humbled to be able to play the sport I love with an amazing team at the University of Utah while continuing my education,” said LaValley.
Morgan is a strong defender who can see the ice great. She isn’t afraid to lead the rush up the ice either. She comes from a prestigious program in Minnesota and will be a great asset in our D core,” said Women’s Division 1 Head Coach Rodney Stedt.
LaValley plans to study Nursing at the U.
Utah Hockey would like to welcome Morgan and wish her the absolute best in the upcoming season!
