Where Are They Now?: Bonney Lake’s Morgan Nall Takes Her Game From Panther Soccer to Finland

Since graduating from Bonney Lake High School in 2022, Morgan Nall has taken a path that, by her own account, was never a straight line. It has run through Pierce College, the Tacoma Galaxy program, and a finance degree from the University of Washington. Now it has carried her across the world to Vaasa, Finland, where she has signed a contract with Vasa IFK (VIFK) to play in the Kansallinen Liiga, the country’s top women’s league.

Where It Started

Nall was five years old when she started playing soccer, and she grew up playing for Mt. Rainier FC. What kept her coming back, she says, goes beyond the game itself.

“Soccer has always been something that helps me get out of my head and just be present,” Nall said. “It has also introduced me to so many amazing people and some of my closest friends, which is a huge part of why I’ve continued to love the game for so long.”

On the field, she never stayed in one spot. Nall played center back, outside back, outside midfield, and center midfield, and she says that left her pretty comfortable moving between defensive and midfield roles.

Playing for Something Bigger

At Bonney Lake, Nall played through one of the strangest stretches in high school sports history. Masks, social distancing, and a long list of restrictions made playing and training far more difficult than what the Panthers were used to. But having the game taken away for a period of time changed how she saw it.

“I think it taught me not to take the opportunity to play for granted and gave me a different appreciation for simply being able to step onto the field,” Nall said.

What she remembers most about wearing the Panther uniform is the crowd behind her.

“We would get so many fans at our games, and the student section made the atmosphere really special,” Nall said. “I remember the jumpsuits they would wear, all of the cheering, everyone running onto the field, and doing cheers together after games.”

For some of the biggest games, the community organized buses for the team and even arranged police escorts as the Panthers left town.

“Seeing how many people showed up and supported us made it feel like we were playing for something bigger than just our team,” Nall said. “Those are some of my favorite memories from playing at Bonney Lake.”

Building the Next Step

After graduating, Nall went to Pierce College, where she played soccer for two years. From there she joined the Tacoma Galaxy program, spending two seasons with the indoor team and one season with the outdoor team. Along the way, she put in extra work with her coach and trainer outside of regular team practices.

“That extra work was really helpful for my development and pushed me to continue improving my game,” Nall said. “Each of those experiences helped prepare me for the next level and eventually for the opportunity to play overseas.”

Patience Through Growing Pains

Not every challenge showed up on a scoreboard. Nall points to a significant growth spurt that left her feeling awkward and clumsy on the field. Her body had changed so quickly that it took time to regain the coordination and confidence she had before.

“I just kept playing and working through it,” Nall said. “Eventually, I became more comfortable again, and my height actually became something I could use to my advantage as a player.”

The lesson stuck with her.

“Looking back, I think that experience taught me to be patient with myself and keep working even when I didn’t feel like I was playing at my best,” she said.

The Call From Finland

The opportunity that changed her path started with a former teammate, who reached out about a possible chance to play in Finland. From there, Nall said, everything happened quickly. She put together film, got on several calls with the coach, and the two sides started working through the details.

“It was really exciting, but also a little surreal because of how quickly everything came together,” Nall said. “Playing professionally had been a goal of mine for a long time, and suddenly I had a real opportunity in front of me.”

It also meant a big decision.

“It was obviously a big decision to move across the world and leave my family, friends, job, and everything I was used to at home, but I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take,” she said.

She ultimately signed a contract with VIFK in Vaasa to play in the Kansallinen Liiga.

A New Game and a New Language

Life in Finland has come with plenty of adjusting. Nall says the draw was the chance to test herself in a completely different soccer environment.

“I was most excited about getting the opportunity to experience soccer in a completely different environment and challenge myself outside of what I was used to in the U.S.,” she said.

The challenges have been just as real. Language has been near the top of the list.

“Even though a lot of people speak English, there are still times at training or around the team when I don’t completely understand what’s being said, so I’ve had to learn to adapt,” Nall said. “Being away from my family and friends has also been difficult at times. Overall, though, I think being put outside of my comfort zone has helped me grow both as a player and as a person.”

Advice for the Next Panther

Nall has a message for any Bonney Lake girl who dreams of playing beyond high school: stay patient, and stay curious about the path.

“There isn’t just one route to playing at a higher level,” she said. “My journey definitely wasn’t a straight line, and there were times when I wasn’t sure what the next step would be. I just kept looking for opportunities, putting in extra work, and trying to become a better player.”

She also stressed the people side of the game.

“So many of the opportunities I’ve had in soccer have come from continuing to put myself out there and staying connected with people,” Nall said. “Most importantly, don’t let one coach, team, or setback determine how far you think you can go.”

Beyond the Pitch

Away from the field, Nall enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with friends and family. She also has a passion for finance and business, and she recently graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in finance.

“That’s another big interest of mine and something I hope to continue pursuing alongside soccer,” she said.

Full Circle

From the fields of Mt. Rainier FC to the packed student section at Bonney Lake, from Pierce College to the Tacoma Galaxy, and from a finance degree to a roster spot in Vaasa, Nall’s story is a reminder that the road to the next level rarely runs in a straight line.

It all started in Bonney Lake.

And now, thousands of miles from the student section that cheered her on, Morgan Nall is writing the next chapter of her story in Finland’s top women’s league.