USATF Foundation Awards Maternity Grant to Shot Putter Gabriella McDonald Morris

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USATF Foundation is proud to announce that elite shot put athlete Gabriella McDonald Morris has been awarded a Maternity Grant, supporting her return to competition following the birth of her son in August 2025.

In 2024, McDonald Morris became an NCAA Division I runner-up at the Outdoor Track and Field Championships and earned Mountain West Outdoor Female Athlete of the year, while achieving a personal best of 18.66 meters. She also competes in the discus, holding a personal best of 59.75 meters.

Following her 2024 season, she gave birth to her son, Truett, on August 30, 2025, and has since returned to training with renewed focus and determination.  “This support will help offset costs associated with postpartum recovery, coaching, travel to training opportunities and competitions, and the ability to remain fully engaged in high-level preparation without compromising recovery or family responsibilities,” says McDonald Morris.

Looking ahead, McDonald Morris has both immediate and long-term goals as she builds momentum in her return to competition. “My long-term goals in track and field are to return to consistent elite-level performance and compete successfully at major national and international championships for the USA. In the short term, my focus is on rebuilding my competitive foundation during the 2026 season, re-establishing myself in the world rankings, and gaining momentum as a professional athlete following childbirth.”

Beyond her competitive ambitions, McDonald Morris is committed to making a lasting impact on the sport through mentorship and advocacy. She says, “Beyond my competitive career, I plan to remain actively involved in track and field through coaching, mentorship, and athlete development. I am passionate about supporting the next generation of athletes, particularly women navigating high-performance sport while maintaining a full life and family.”

Her journey reflects both elite athletic achievement and perseverance through adversity, including competing during pregnancy and maintaining her connection to the sport throughout recovery. Now, as she returns to competition, she is focused on rebuilding progressively and sustainably, with the goal of establishing herself among the world’s best.