Morgan Dirks

 

Born and raised in Hastings, NE, I am no stranger to small-town life. Growing up, I spent most of my time on the farm doing manual labor or enjoying the outdoors with my family. I attended Hastings Public Schools for middle and high school. While balancing full-time studies, I also worked as a lifeguard at Hastings Aqua Court and as a personal trainer and nutrition coach at a local gym.
Throughout middle and high school, I was a dedicated three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball as a middle hitter, track as a high jumper, long jumper, and sprinter, and cheerleading as a base for stunting and team captain. However, during high school, I was diagnosed with a disorder linked to mental health, which left me paralyzed from the waist down. This life-altering experience forced me to relearn how to walk and reintegrate into daily life. As part of my recovery—both physically and mentally—I turned to weightlifting, which not only helped rebuild my strength but also ignited my passion for physical therapy. This newfound interest led me to pursue a medical degree in the field after high school.
After graduating from Hastings High School in 2017, I attended Hastings Community College to complete my prerequisites. During this time, I developed a deep passion for bodybuilding, bikini division and committed to serious training. At 19, I prepped for and competed in my first bodybuilding competition, the NPC Midwest Omaha Pro, in 2019.
While attending college full-time, I also coached track and football for local schools. Eventually, I became fully dedicated to bodybuilding and discovered a passion for law enforcement. In 2021, I made the decision to move to Lincoln, NE, to pursue a career in law enforcement. I graduated from the Lincoln Police Department Academy in the spring of 2021 and have been a full-time police officer ever since.
Throughout my 4.5-year career, I have been honored with the Meritorious Conduct Award, the Life-Saving Award, and the Heroes of the Heartland Award. I also serve as a Wellness Committee Member and a Police Explorer Advisor, mentoring middle and high school students who are interested in law enforcement. Additionally, I coach police football for middle school students.
Over the past six years, I have competed in five bodybuilding shows, earning my national qualification twice. On July 26, 2024, I achieved my goal of turning professional at the USA National Championship, becoming an IFBB Bikini Pro Athlete. I am set to make my pro debut on June 14, 2025, at the Nevada State Pro. Outside of bodybuilding and law enforcement, I have also completed a half marathon, multiple 5K and 10K races, and continue to challenge myself in new ways.
Currently, I train six days a week, incorporate cardio conditioning, meal prep daily, and check in weekly with my bodybuilding coach, Adam Bonilla (Olympian Coach)—all while serving as a full-time police officer and being a proud dog mom to Maverick.
Fitness transformed my life after high school, serving as a powerful tool to help me navigate mental health challenges. Being able to share my passion for strength and conditioning with young athletes has been an incredible blessing. My goal is to serve as a role model for kids who, like me at that age, needed guidance and a sense of belonging. I thank God every day for the opportunities I've been given and strive to pay it forward by helping young athletes find their own path to success.