Student: Sydni Morris
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Sydni is undecided on which college she would like to attend, but plans on continuing her basketball career and majoring in public health.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Sydni #BulldogSTRONG: In 2009, the Lady Bulldogs Girls Basketball program at Golden Valley High School saw a coaching change in which Curt Wilson assumed the role as Head Coach after serving as Head JV Coach at South High School. And since 2009, the Lady Bulldogs have been one of the most stable and successful programs in Kern County under Coach Wilson. Perhaps the pinnacle of Wilson’s tenure was a two year span from 2016-2018 in which the Lady Bulldogs went 50-16 (14-6 in a tough South Yosemite League) and landed a spot in the 2018 CIF Central Section Division III Championship Game as well as a game in the 2018 California Division III State Tournament.
After a few down seasons and a season impacted by Covid-19, the Lady Bulldogs have gotten off to a hot start this year, hoping to return to the 2018 success and have done so by impressive play from Senior Forward/Center, Sydni Morris. For Morris, she has been on the varsity basketball team since her Freshman year where she has been a consistent presence in the paint where she grabs a lot of rebounds and scores some tough buckets amongst the other bigs of Kern County. However, major surgeries and injury impacted her ability to play her sophomore and junior seasons, leaving her anxious to return playing the sport she loves. This year, completely healthy and injury free, Sydni has elevated her game averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block per game and as a result of her stellar play, the Lady Bulldogs are currently 14-1 and are poised to be one of the best teams in school history. In the midst of their impressive record, the Lady Bulldogs won the illustrious Shafter Girls Basketball Tournament in early December as well the prestigious 2021 Orosi Christmas Classic where Sydni was selected to the All Tournament team because of her 16 point effort in the championship game against Arvin High School. “The most rewarding aspect of playing for the Lady Bulldogs is proving to everyone that we are a good team,” Sydni states, “I love my team and our chemistry is amazing.” For Sydni, the reason for the strong bond with her teammates is because of the positive influence of Coach Wilson. “Coach Wilson has been an amazing coach for us, he’s always trying to help build us, on and off the court,” graciously comments Sydni, “He makes us good players and good people.”
Sydni Morris (Left) was selected to the All Tournament Team at the Orosi Holiday Classic because of here stellar play on the court.
Beyond the tremendous success that Sydni has accomplished on the basketball court, she has also excelled academically in the classroom. Throughout her fours at GVHS, Sydni has accumulated a 3.4 GPA, earning only A’s and B’s the past two years while being enrolled in College Prep courses. This year, Sydni has earned a 4.0 GPA and has aspirations of attending a four year university where she plans to major in public health. Sydni has some pretty important advice for younger Bulldogs. “I encourage my classmates and peers to always try their best and not to procrastinate,” humbly states Sydni, “Take care of your homework and classwork so that you can enjoy your high school experience and not stress on wondering if you are going to pass your classes or not.” As expected, Sydni not only has aspirations of studying public health, but continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level, capitalizing on the success she has experienced this year. For the tremendous impact she has had as a four year varsity member of the Lady Bulldogs Basketball team leading them to a 14-1 overall record this year and in the academic success she has earned in the classroom, Sydni Morris is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Sydni: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means that in the face of challenges, you must always make the right decisions. Equally important, it also means that we should always treat our peers equally.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Sydni:
“Sydni Morris, is the perfect example of #BulldogSTRONG because she has overcome an injury and came back stronger. Her freshman year she tore her A.C.L. and had to have two surgeries to prepare the damage, which caused her to miss two years of basketball. Most athletes would have allowed that setback to eliminate their quest for excellence, but she became even more determined. As a result of her determination she has returned to the basketball court as a better athlete and mentally stronger than she was before. Her dedication to our team has given me the confidence to name her captain. Through 14 games this season she leads us in rebounds and blocks and instills fear in our opponents because they know how good she is. Sydni isn't just an athlete, she is extremely intelligent and truly is the total package and one the best examples to the public of what Golden Valley excellence is all about.” Curt Wilson, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Golden Valley High School
"It has been great to watch Sydni grow as a student Athlete and Basketball player. From freshman year working through knee problems to this year becoming a team leader and motivator. She gets it done in the classroom as well, with a GPA around a 3.5. I expect big things out of this young lady in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
"Sydni is a wonderful student to have in class. She is funny, encouraging, and supportive of her fellow students. She exhibits what it means to be Bulldog Strong." Terry Tripp, Art Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Sydni is a funny and vibrant student. She livens up my classroom every day. She has the sort of personality that stands out and leaves a positive and lasting impression. She is definitely destined for great things and I am lucky to have her in my class. ” Cameron Hertzog, Government/Economics Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Sydni definitely stands out as one of my favorite students to work with. The times we have been in contact face to face, she was always polite and respectful. Sydni is a strong student with a bright future ahead of her.” Janine Lynch, Counselor, Golden Valley High School
“Sydni is a great student to have in class. I enjoy the fun and positive attitude that she brings into my class. She is #BulldogSTRONG because she always gives 100% of her effort whether the task at hand is school related or on the court. I am looking forward to going to more of her basketball games.” Fernando Ruiz, World History Teacher, Golden Valley High School