Penn State Beaver Student-Athlete Alumni Spotlight: Kurtz / Royster

Morgan Kurtz
Business Management & Marketing 2016
2012-2016
Women's Basketball

Morgan came to Penn State Beaver after graduating from Trinity High School in Washington, PA.  Ms. Kurtz was a four year starter for the women's basketball program.  She earned numerous awards during her time at Beaver.  She was named PSUAC all Conference all four years, named 1st Team USCAA All-American twice, and PSUAC All-Academic Team three times.  She is the second leading scorer in Penn State Beaver history, scoring 1705 career points.  She also holds the single game scoring record with 36 points. 

During her time, her team was just as successful.  In four years, the team won 80 games, 4 conference titles, a USCAA National title and had 2 other USCAA final four finishes.  Morgan is currently a Real Estate Sales Associate for EXP Realty.

Q:  Why Did you choose Penn State Beaver?
A:  I chose Beaver to continue my basketball career and to receive a degree from one of the most reputable schools, Penn State.

Q:  What is your Favorite memory from Penn State Beaver?
A:  My favorite memories at PSU Beaver was winning the National Champioship my junior year with my teammates who still feel like family to this day.  The feeling I got when the buzzer rang and celebrating with my teammates was truely unexplainable!

Q:  What advice would you give current students or recent graduates in pursuing a career in you professional field?
A:  The sales industry is a hustle.  With that being said, hard work, dedication, and persistence are key in this industry.  Once you portray those characteristics consistently, you will be successful. 

Markes Royster 
Business Management and Marketing 2014
2010-2014
Men's Basketball

Markes Royster came to Penn State Beaver in 2010 after graduating from Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA.  He played four seasons with the Men's Basketball team under Head Coach Marcess Williams.  During his time at Beaver, the Men's team compiled an overall record of 85-33, a PSUAC record of 62-9, Finished PSUAC Champs in 2010-11, PSUAC Runner's up in 2012-13, and qualified for the USCAA all four year; finishing USCAA runner's Up in his Junior and Senior year.  Markes was named captain in his senior year.  

Royster currently works for the Indiana Pacers as an assistant Coach, working along side Coach TJ Warren and Coach Victor Oladipo.  He assists with scouting reports and gametime adjustments. 

Q:  Why Did you choose Penn State Beaver?
A:  I chose Beaver because of the stellar basketball program led at the time by Coach Marcess Williams.

Q:  What is your Favorite memory from Penn State Beaver?
A:  Making it to the USCAA National Championship.

Q:  What advice would you give current students or recent graduates in pursuing a career in you professional field?
A:  Its all about internships.  Where ever you can get in, fit in, and work from there.  That's the way I made it.  Someone gave me a shot as an intern and I killed it, which led to my fulltime position.  Build that resume and work hard, knowing in the end, you will get where you need if you have a stable plan.