A first-generation college student, the accounting major plans to return to Centenary this fall to earn a Master in Business Administration.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, May 19, 2026—For most NCAA student-athletes, competing in a college sport is akin to holding a full-time job, while juggling classwork and other campus activities. A first-generation college student, D’Ani Morales has managed to double that schedule as an honor student competing on the Centenary University women’s basketball and softball teams.

On Saturday, May 16, Morales graduated from Centenary with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. During her undergraduate career, she was inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha—also known as Tri Alpha—a national honor society recognizing the accomplishments of first-generation students—and Chi Alpha Epsilon, an honor society for students enrolled in the university’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides academic, social, and financial support to eligible Centenary students.

As a high school senior, Morales chose Centenary for its strong business program, small class sizes, athletic opportunities, and proximity to her hometown. A summer orientation program for EOP students helped her to quickly feel part of the campus community: “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 initially decided to settle into campus life slowly, joining the women’s basketball team but putting off softball until junior year. She took the intense practices and competitive schedules in stride, finding ways to study and complete assignments while on the road to away games. “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 has been active on campus attending a host of EOP-sponsored events, mentoring fellow EOP students, and serving as the event coordinator and leader of academic initiatives for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which provides a voice for Cyclones student-athletes, promotes camaraderie and leadership, and organizes social events and service initiatives. Morales said, “Our goal is to make student-athletes comfortable in their role here on campus.”

With one more year of softball eligibility left, Morales will return to Centenary next year to earn an MBA while playing her final season with the Cyclones. Then, she plans to earn her CPA, and someday, operate 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.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce.  Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and world engagement, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.