Morgan Kotch '24 has been named the 2023-24 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year for girls' high school soccer. Kotch is the first to receive the honor since former Pennington and Duke University soccer standout Kaitlyn Kerr ’10 was chosen following the 2009-10 season.

Kotch, who will continue her playing career at Villanova University in the fall, helped lead Pennington to an undefeated season (21-0), Prep A county and state championship titles, and set a new School record along the way for goals scored in a career with 108. What makes this achievement particularly impressive is that Kotch managed to set that record in just three seasons as the pandemic cut her Grade 9 season down to just four games. Kotch tallied 37 goals in her final season with 21 career assists.  

The Gatorade Player of the Year award was established in 1985 to recognize the nation's most elite high school student-athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character in both the classroom and the community.

Kotch was also recognized during the School’s recent Commencement ceremonies when she received The Pennington School Award for Outstanding Athletic Achievement. Fellow senior and basketball standout Morgan Matthews ’24 was honored alongside Kotch with this award. 

Last fall, the 5-foot-7 forward participated in the High School All-American Game in South Carolina. Kotch is a member of Pennington’s Community Service Club, has served in student government, and has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach, all while maintaining a 3.81 GPA.

Girls’ Soccer Coach Patrick Murphy ’80 praised Kotch alongside the entire championship team: “We are incredibly proud of and thrilled for Morgan and her teammates as her New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year honor is a reflection of her fierce goal-scoring prowess that was made even more dangerous by her incredible teammates.”