Like many kids, Efraín Morales grew up with a dream of becoming a professional athlete. As a Suwanee, Georgia, native, he also dreamed of attending Georgia Tech. Now, as a defender for Atlanta United and an undergraduate in the Scheller College of Business, Morales does both.
As the Five Stripes prepare for the 2025 season, Morales splits his time between the pitch and campus in pursuit of a finance degree. Each day for Morales begins at the club's training facility early in the morning. After that, he'll attend classes, study, or find time for a nap. His schedule isn't that of a typical college student.
"It's pretty difficult at times. With soccer, there are days you have some free time, but some days you have no time at all, so whether it's doing a little bit of work on the plane or at the hotel, you develop a routine and figure it out," he said. “The balance between on- and off-field work helps to develop yourself and build character, and I think that’s important for life outside soccer.”
Morales has been affiliated with Atlanta United since its 2017 inaugural season, starting as a member of its youth academy program. He inked his first major league contract with the club at 16 as the first player to sign from the Academy's U-12 team. Rising through the ranks, he made his Major League Soccer debut during the 2024 season, eventually earning three starts, two of which came during the club's run in the U.S. Open Cup.
As he developed as a soccer player, he also pursued his dream of attending Tech.
"Since sixth grade, I've wanted to go to Georgia Tech. I’m the son of immigrants, and my parents are big on education. They both came to the United States and went to university as well, so that's something that's been instilled in me from a young age. We knew before I signed my contract here that, regardless, I was going to get a degree and an education. I think it's important for building myself, not as an athlete, but as a person."
Growing up in the area, Morales toured and attended events at the Institute, and with friends and former teachers on campus, he felt at home the first time he stepped on campus as a student. During his time balancing life as an undergraduate and a professional athlete, Morales has been grateful for the help of his professors to ensure he never misses an assignment or falls behind. In January, Morales met with noted soccer fan and Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera.
He hopes his classmates and all fellow Yellow Jackets will cheer him on at Atlanta United’s season opener against Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Mercedes Benz Stadium, and throughout the 2025 season.
"An Atlanta United match is one of the best sporting events you can get in the country, so if you're a fan or even if you're new to the game, it's something worth checking out," he said.
For Saturday's match, the club is offering the Georgia Tech community an opportunity to purchase a special ticket package that includes a limited edition Georgia Tech x Atlanta United scarf.