Maria Morgan Makes Mark with Saint Vincent
Morgan has become something of a folk hero in western Clinton County with her on-court basketball exploits and her selfless willingness to be a role model for young people in the Renovo area.
With a new season just underway Morgan has additional responsibilities, named a Bearcat captain for this, her junior year. The team is 2-2 after four starts and Morgan is again a major contributor. She averages more than 12 points per game and is an astounding 10-for-17 on her trademark 3-point tries.
While she was home last week, she responded to a volley of questions, starting with:
How are you enjoying hoops in your post-high school life?
“Thank you for getting in touch with me! If I sat here and said playing basketball in college was everything I thought it’d be, I’d be lying…because it’s even better than what I imagined.”
How did you get to be captain? How did that process work?
“It’s an honor to be a captain on my team this year because there is so much talent and you can see a little leadership throughout everyone, but our coach this year picked three of us to be in charge.”
“Our coach this year selected captains based off of the different leadership roles we all bring. Mara (Benvenuti) is our 5th year player who was a captain the past two years, but tore her ACL last year early in our season so she is no doubt our inspiration. Babette (Sanmartin) is one of our seniors who is a motivator and shows that every day by her strong work ethic. I’m more of the energizer, which loosens any tension that is built up at practice or games to keep it fun. Overall though our role is to keep everyone together at all times because in college you experience good practices and bad practices from day to day. Balancing out school and basketball is a job itself so making sure we’re focused and ready to work is one of our duties. We have to lead by example each day as well because how we go into a practice or game reflects how everyone else will so it is very important for us to come ready to play every day.”
How difficult was the transition from high school to college? Was it difficult to adapt to a role where you did not have to score 20+ plus points a game?
“It wasn’t a difficult change, but I knew going into it that I would need to learn the ropes to college basketball. Everyone on our team comes from programs where they were the main player on their team that played every minute of every game. You learn quickly that everyone wants to play just as much as you do so putting in the work and showing up to play every day was key.”
“As a college player you have to know that your role is going to change throughout your career. Experience is everything, and I was thankful for the high school career I had and then my teammates in college when I entered because they pushed me and molded me into the player I am today.”
How has your game evolved since leaving high school?
“I’ve had to develop a different game compared to high school. I can’t just drive to the hoop and get an easy lay-up anymore due to my size so I developed a stronger mid range game and my 3-point shot has become a lot more consistent. That’s not saying that I don’t drive anymore, because I still have that in my game, I just became better at decision making when it comes to that. Also a key to getting playing time is how good of a defender you are, so knowing what kind of player you’re guarding or what they’re going to do next while playing is very important. My knowledge for the game has evolved tremendously.”
What about your schooling: Your major? Your plans post-graduation? Stay in touch with hoops?
“I am still a Criminology, Law, and Society major and I picked up a Sociology minor last year. I am looking into Officer Candidate School after graduation.”
“After Saint Vincent my playing days will be over, but I hope to coach one day.”
The college experience generally: All you thought it would be?
“I love the college experience. Saint Vincent is an amazing place. The hardest part is being away from my family, but the people I have met, make school my home away from home.”
“Every day is different in college especially when you have to balance out school, basketball, and let’s not forget a social life (haha). My first thought everyday when I wake up is when can I fit studying in for my exam today based off of when practice and classes are or in between my classes today I need to start my 5-page paper that’s due next week. It’s a non-stop thought process that occurs every day, but I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
“I’ve never cherished time more in my life than now. It’s hard to believe I’m a junior already, but I’m so happy with where I am. I definitely chose the right school.”
Any advice for kids in the Bucktail program?
“Just have fun. Don’t blame anything on your coaches, teammates, parents, teachers or friends. You put in what you get out of it and they only want what’s best for you because they care. Look for the positives in everyday and just have fun while you still can.”
Influences on your basketball/school career?
“My mom and dad are amazing people. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to go to school and still play the game I love. They have made it to every single one of my home games the past two years…that’s 6 hours of driving for a 2 hour basketball game. To say I’m blessed is a complete understatement.”
“My brother is a great person. To see how successful he is becoming in life inspires me each and every day.”
“My friends and teammates at school are awesome people and have been such positive influences in my life as well.”
“The coaches I have to learn from are the best of the best. They have pushed me and made the type of person and player I am in college.”
Team expectations this year?
“We’re focusing on the little things this year. After we do that we know the bigger goals will come. We have a different mindset than my other years where we’re going day by day and not paying attention to anything further than that. Each day is a new opportunity to us.”
