Alex Morrell has returned home.

“To be able to come back and be with this team is really great,” said Morrell after a practice with his new Tampa Bay Rowdies teammates. “That first game stepping out on to the field (at Al Lang Stadium) was just unreal. I had my friends and family watching from the stands for the first time in a long time.”

Morrell is a Lakeland native and attended George Jenkins High School. He played for the Eagles soccer team and helped lead them to a 2012 District championship. During Morrell’s time on the team the Eagles only lost 4 times.

“Every time I go back to Lakeland I always see my old friends and teammates,” recalled Morrell. “They have always been there for me.”

Following his high school career, Alex received a scholarship to play at the University of North Florida. It was there where he said he was able to grow both as a player and a person. By the time he had left, he was receiving conference and regional honors for his play. However, the biggest honor came in January 2016 when he made program history.

Alex became the first Osprey soccer player to be drafted in the MLS Super Draft. He was taken with the 2nd pick in the 2nd round (22nd overall) by the Chicago Fire. He played in Chicago this past season.

Now he is home and is making quite the impression.

“He came in well-conditioned and in just tremendous shape,” said Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell. “I am happy for him and how well he has done so far. He is a gifted player and now it is up to him to put all of the tools together as we move towards the season.”

Alex knows that the Rowdies have plans to move into the MLS within the next few seasons, provided they are given one of the expansion team spots. Owner Bill Edwards is pushing hard to bring the MLS to St. Pete. You can count Alex in on wanting it as much as the Rowdies leader.

“Absolutely!” said Morrell. “We need to do it, I think it is about time and I think we are going to do it.”

For now, though, Alex is just happy to be playing for his home team, and hopes to have a good season with the Rowdies as the move into the USL this spring.