HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University graduate D’Ani Morales balanced academics and athletics while competing in two NCAA sports and earning multiple academic honors during her college career.
Morales, a first-generation college student, graduated May 16 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting after competing on Centenary’s women’s basketball and softball teams.
The university said Morales was inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society recognizing first-generation college students, and Chi Alpha Epsilon, an honor society for students participating in the Educational Opportunity Program, which provides academic, financial and social support services.
As a high school senior, Morales said Centenary’s business program, athletics opportunities and smaller campus environment influenced her decision to enroll.
“I wanted to attend a college where I wouldn’t be a number. At Centenary, my professors know me by name and they’re always available to help. Through the EOP program, I learned that I have a family here on campus. That made the transition from high school to college so much smoother,” Morales said.
Morales initially joined the university’s basketball team before later adding softball during her junior year. She said balancing athletics and academics required discipline and support from coaches and staff.
“My coaches have been great,” said Morales, softball team captain. “For basketball, we had academic Fridays, when coaches would check up on our grades and see if we needed any help with assignments. They were always there to lend a helping hand.”
In addition to athletics, Morales participated in Educational Opportunity Program events, mentored fellow students and served with the university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, where she helped organize academic initiatives and campus activities for student-athletes.
“Our goal is to make student-athletes comfortable in their role here on campus,” Morales said.
With one year of softball eligibility remaining, Morales plans to return to Centenary this fall to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree while completing her final softball season.
After graduate school, Morales said she plans to become a certified public accountant and eventually open her own accounting practice.
“I had such a good experience at Centenary,” Morales noted. “The business program here is great—there are so many resources to help students succeed.”
