From Playground to England: Beth Morgans’ Journey to the England Volleyball Squad
Written by Emily Cartwright
Cardiff University student Beth Morgan has reached the national stage of beach volleyball, representing England while balancing elite sport with a demanding Medical Engineering degree in Wales. After more than a decade of dedication to volleyball, Morgan has established herself as one of England’s emerging talents, with a journey shaped by early inspiration, difficult decisions, academic discipline, and resilience in the face of injury.
Beth Morgan preparing to receive the volleyball / Credit: Jon Cornish
Representing England while studying and training in Wales has created an unusual but rewarding dynamic for Morgan. While she competes internationally in an England vest, much of her day-to-day development takes place at Cardiff University, where she trains alongside Welsh teammates and represents the university in domestic competition. Morgan describes the experience as motivating rather than conflicting, offering her exposure to different coaching environments and sporting cultures. The contrast, she says, has helped her develop independence and adaptability, both on and off the court.
Morgan qualified to represent England in the summer of 2024, competing alongside partner Alice Brand and finishing fifth overall at the tournament. The pair later represented England at the NEVZA (Northern European Volleyball Zonal Association) Beach Volleyball Tournament in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, where Morgan played in a defensive role. With friends and family lining the sidelines, cheering throughout the competition, the event stands out as one of her most memorable sporting experiences.
Her recent international success followed a strong season at Cardiff University, where Morgan played as a blocker for the Women’s 1s indoor volleyball team. She later transitioned back to beach volleyball for the summer season, helping England compete against some of the top teams in the NEVZA competition. The ability to adapt between positions and formats highlights her versatility as an athlete.
Beth Morgan playing beach volleyball/ Credit: Tom Brossard
Morgan’s path to national-level volleyball began at primary school, when Olympic-level beach volleyball coach Denise Austin visited her class to teach “volley sport.” The session immediately sparked her interest, leading her to compete in a local primary school tournament, where she won her first-ever event. “I got addicted straight away,” Morgan said, describing the moment she realised her passion for the sport.
Despite her early connection to volleyball, Morgan’s sporting journey was not linear. Growing up in a competitive household in North Devon, she was also heavily involved in football, inspired by her brothers who played for their local club. She joined a boys’ team before progressing to the Southampton academy, later playing for Exeter City Women and qualifying for the Devon squad. However, as the demands of both sports increased, Morgan made the difficult decision at the age of 16 to commit exclusively to volleyball.
The decision proved pivotal. Shortly after specialising, she progressed onto the England Pathway and continued to develop through both indoor and beach volleyball. Her breakthrough came in 2024, when she qualified for her first senior international tournament in Sweden. “It felt like the start of something,” she said. “It’s really hard to qualify for your first tournament.”
Beth Morgan Training in Cardiff University Sports Hall, Talybont/ Credit: Jon Cornish
Alongside her sporting career, Morgan balances elite competition with a demanding Medical Engineering Master’s (MEng) degree with a Year in Industry at Cardiff University. She credits her success in managing both paths to strict organisation and long-term planning. Rather than fitting sport around her studies, she treats volleyball as a fixed commitment and structures her academic work accordingly. “It’s not always perfectly balanced,” she said, “but having a plan helps me manage both consistently.”
Morgan receives significant support from Cardiff University, including an academic scholarship from the School of Engineering and involvement in the university’s High-Performance Programme. The programme provides financial assistance alongside support in time management, wellbeing, and navigating academic pressures as a high-performance athlete. While exam periods and heavy coursework deadlines present challenges, Morgan notes that her main competition season takes place during the summer, allowing her to prioritise academics during term time.
Beth Morgan playing in the Side Out volleyball competition/ Credit: Jon Cornish
Injury has been another defining aspect of her journey. Morgan has faced serious setbacks, including a torn shoulder labrum that left her unable to lift her arm above 90 degrees without severe pain. The injury came at a particularly difficult time, with major competitions approaching and limited recovery time due to the year-round demands of competing in both beach and indoor volleyball. The experience forced her to slow down and reassess her approach to training and recovery. “It’s important to take rests and allow yourself to recover,” she said.
The injury also influenced her academic work, leading her to focus her dissertation on the hormonal impact of ACL injuries in female athletes. Her Cardiff University coach, Danny Mulford, played a key role during this period, taking the time to understand how Morgan learned and adapting his coaching approach accordingly. He also incorporated her research into team practices to help reduce injury risk; an effort Morgan described as “something not many coaches would do.”
Morgan also credits much of her resilience and competitive mindset to her family. Growing up with two brothers who also competed in volleyball fostered a natural sense of competition and determination. “I’m a natural-born competitor,” she said. “Having two brothers meant I was constantly competing, and it really helped me in tough situations.” She also highlighted the support of her parents, who travelled extensively to competitions and provided constant encouragement throughout her career.
Despite the sacrifices required to balance elite sport and university life, limited social flexibility, early mornings, and missed events, Morgan believes the experience has been invaluable. “Sport has taught me to keep going through injuries, setbacks, and tough losses,” she said. “The lessons you learn in training and competition carry over into every part of life.”
Beth Morgan (Left) and Alice Brand (Right) playing in NEVZA Tournament in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire/ Credit: Jon Cornish
Looking ahead, Morgan remains grateful for everything volleyball has given her, from lifelong friendships to the confidence to travel, meet new people, and embrace challenges. Her advice to younger athletes is to enjoy the journey and focus on the process rather than results. “Work hard, listen to your coaches, and never underestimate the value of the support around you,” she said. “Take every opportunity that comes your way and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”
For Morgan, balancing ambition with well-being has become just as important as chasing success. It is a mindset shaped by years of competition, academic pressure, and personal growth; one that continues to define her journey both on and off the sand