CORVALLIS, Ore. – Heading into the 2020-21 year, 24 student-athletes were named to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing their schools.
Morgan McKinney is one of the SAAC reps at Bushnell University. The senior women’s basketball player is coming off a solid year where she led the Beacons to a record 26-win season, the regular-season and tournament Cascade Collegiate Conference championships, and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament.
While the season was unfortunately cut premature due to the coronavirus, McKinney has seen some positives come from the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has affected me by making me realize that relationships of all kind are so important to continue to never take those for granted,” said McKinney. “To live more present in time because tomorrow is not promised and to make sure that you are taking care of and checking in consistently on those that you love.”
The Lake Oswego, Ore., native chose Bushnell because it had her major, forensic psychology with a minor in criminal justice, as well as the women’s basketball program. She wants to join the police force and eventually become a homicide detective.
“My best accomplishment academically is that every year I have walked away knowing more about what I'm learning so that it can contribute to my future profession,” said McKinney.
Athletically, McKinney was named an NAIA All-American and the CCC Player of the Year and she knows the demands being a student-athlete calls for.
“Staying on top of my academics, multiple practices every day, always being on time, being flexible with classes while on the road for sports, never missing class or chapel, and being a respectful influence around campus,” said McKinney.
McKinney has definitely excelled on the court at Bushnell, but she has also met some influential people at the university as well.
“My coach is probably the most influential person in my life at this school because he cares so deeply about me when it comes to the academics and my basketball career, but most importantly, the type of person that I strive to be every day,” said McKinney. “He takes the time to always make sure I am taken care of and pushes me to be my best self on and off the court. Without him, I wouldn't be the person and player I am today. He is a father figure to me and I am lucky and thankful to have him apart of my life.”
When not on the court or studying, McKinney enjoys lifting weights, spending time with family and friends or outside adventuring, and watching movies.
McKinney is a veteran on the SAAC committee and hopes to continue to be a positive influence as a rep.
“I hope to accomplish the ability to be the best influence and leader I can be so I can be a voice for those that maybe can't,” said McKinney. “I hope to leave a foundation of communication, toughness, problem solving, and leadership in the CCC so that we can be represented as the best conference in NAIA. I also hope to be a positive influence for those athletes of color and different sexual orientation so that they are respected and well taken care of.”