Multi-Sport Athletes Making Key Contributions for Track and Field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville track and field team has an extensive history of multi-sport athletes contributing to the success of the program. Following a proud line of athletes including Emmonnie Henderson, Trent Guy and Lecia Brown, three Cardinals have carried on that tradition this season.

"Morgan Bentley, Bryan Hudson and Emily Scott are excellent examples of what it takes to be a dual sport athlete at the Power-Five level," said head coach Dale Cowper. "They excel in the classroom, community, and in their sports. I am blessed to work with a terrific group of head coaches at Louisville that are willing to craft opportunities for students with the commitment and determination to pursue multiple sports at the highest level."

In her second season with the team, Morgan Bentley competes in the long jump and triple jump events. The Atlanta, Ga. native set personal bests in each event in the regular season finale at the Clark Wood Invitational and scored in the triple jump with a seventh-place finish at the ACC Championships. As a midfielder for the women's soccer team, Bentley logged action in all 16 matches with six starts last season where she converted the game winner in the 60th minute of a 1-0 win at St. Louis.

Bryan Hudson is one of four Cardinals to qualify in multiple events for the NCAA East Region Preliminary Round after posting personal bests and scoring in the shot put and discus throw at the ACC Championships. A versatile contributor across the offensive line, the Georgetown, Ky. native played in all 13 games last season for the football team.

Emily Scott qualified for the NCAA East Region Preliminary Round after winning the ACC women's outdoor high jump title with a personal-best of 1.82m (5-11.5). The height ranks 12th in the East Region, tied for 23rd in the nation, and as the fifth best performer mark in outdoor program history. The Appleton, Wisc. native spent four seasons as a middle blocker for the women's volleyball team that recorded a 28-0 undefeated regular season and second consecutive outright ACC Championship before advancing to its first Final Four appearance in program history last season.

Here is what each athlete had to say about their experience as multi-sport athletes.

Morgan Bentley

Why did you decide to compete in multiple sports at the collegiate level?
Throughout my high school career, I became accustomed to the lifestyle of a multi-sport athlete. Even though both of my parents were collegiate track athletes, I've always had a stronger love for the game of soccer and I thought I had come to terms that my track career might have ended after high school. However, after my first soccer season here at UofL I realized how much I missed the chaos of doing two sports. Both sports complement each other so well and each makes me better for the other.

What do you enjoy about being a multi-sport athlete?
The thing I enjoy most about being a two sport athlete would probably be being a part of two families. I feel blessed to be able to have the support for my soccer cheering me on at my home meets and the track team showing up to my soccer games.

How has competed in Track and Field helped you in your other sport?
It is no secret that athleticism is a huge advantage in soccer. The faster and more power I get in from track, the more dangerous I will be on the soccer field. However, the confidence I gain from track is probably the most beneficial aspect of doing it. There's no better feeling than actually being able to physically see yourself improve and knowing that your own individual hard work put you there.

What is the best part of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
The best part about being a collegiate athlete at Louisville would be the appreciation of student athletes on campus. I feel like I have gained so many friends in other sports teams because we all like to cheer each other on and support their competitions.

What message do you have for other incoming athletes who may want to pursue competing in multiple sports at the Division I level?
For anyone thinking about being a multi-sport athlete, the biggest advice I would give to you is to listen to your body. Sometimes less really is more. Be an advocate for yourself because each sport may not understand what you go through with the other. Come up with a plan to keep yourself healthy and be able to still improve in both.

What is your favorite memory of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
One of favorite memories as a collegiate athlete was when I finally hit a big personal record in the triple jump. This was a mark I've been trying to accomplish since 2019 and to be able to finally jump it felt unreal.

Bryan Hudson

Why did you decide to compete in multiple sports at the collegiate level?
I decided to compete in multiple sports because I love both football and track and field and I knew that I wanted to do both at a high level. It's a special thing to be able to be competitive in two D1 sports. I wanted to make sure I challenged myself to set an example and make the most of my collegiate career by maximizing the time you spent in school. I don't want to have any regrets or missed opportunities, I am very blessed to be able to do both sports and try not to take it for granted.

What do you enjoy about being a multi-sport athlete?
I enjoy the relationships that I've been able to build within two sports programs here at UofL. I love being able to do what I love. I enjoy the amount of work it takes to be able to do both at a high level and manage two D1 athletic schedules at once.

How has competed in Track and Field helped you in your other sport?
Track and field has helped me tremendously in football. It has helped me develop great footwork, explosiveness, and body control that are all key elements to what I do on a football field. It has helped me learn to compete on any day given any circumstances.

What is the best part of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
There are so many great things about being a collegiate athlete at UofL. The things I've been able to experience in both sports has been incredible, from meeting professional athletes and business people to competing at a big track meet with my teammates, it's truly been amazing.

What message do you have for other incoming athletes who may want to pursue competing in multiple sports at the Division I level?
I would say that it is a lot of hard work and sacrifice to be able to do this, but it just makes it even more rewarding. You have to be dedicated and really love both sports, but it pays off.

What is your favorite memory of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
It is hard to say just one, but one of my favorite memories is competing at ACCs and Regionals with my older sister in 2021. It was amazing to be able to compete.

Emily Scott

Why did you decide to compete in multiple sports at the collegiate level?
I always had a passion for track and field, as I grew up with the sport, so when the opportunity arrived for me to compete after my volleyball career there was no way I could pass it up.

What do you enjoy about being a multi-sport athlete?
The dual support systems that I am able to have through both sports is what I enjoy most about being a multi-sport athlete. I can't be more grateful to have two sets of teammates/best friends along with incredible coaches/support staff.

How has competed in Track and Field helped you in your other sport?
My previous training in volleyball has helped immensely with Track & Field. Volleyball is a jumping sport so naturally over the past years I have continued to work on that as well as become stronger, which has ultimately allowed me to build off my past high jump abilities.

What is the best part of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
Besides being able to compete at a high level and get an amazing education at the same time, I think the best part of being a collegiate athlete at UofL is being able to work with the incredible athletic department and all those that it encompasses. The experiences that I have had these last few years and continue to have been indescribable, but the relationships that I have developed are what I feel truly blessed and grateful for.

What message do you have for other incoming athletes who may want to pursue competing in multiple sports at the Division I level?
Along with competing as a multi-sport athlete in college comes many sacrifices, but I assure you that the rewards infinitely outweigh any difficulty that it may bring. The experiences, relationships, and opportunities that you are able to have as a multi-sport athlete are things that you will forever be grateful for.

What is your favorite memory of being a collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville?
I have had many experiences that can qualify as a favorite memory of mine as a collegiate athlete at UofL, but the most meaningful one to me would have to be of my competition this last weekend at the home meet. It is obviously a great feeling to compete well, but I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with the amount of love and support I received that day. Being able to have my family present, my track coaches and teammates with me, as well as my volleyball family there to support and cheer me on was the most indescribable feeling in the world and I cannot say enough how blessed I am to have that.

University of Louisville Athletics

Multi-Sport Athletes Making Key Contributions for Track and Field

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Morgan Bentley

Bryan Hudson

Emily Scott

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