Warriorette Morgan Quick signs with Freed-Hardeman

Morgan Quick is surrounded by her parents, friends, coaches, and school personnel as she signs with Freed-Hardeman University.

Morgan Quick is the latest White County High School student athlete to publicly announce her intentions of pursuing both an athletic career and continuing her education at the next level when she signed a letter of intent and accepted a scholarship from Freed-Hardeman University last week.

“When I was offered a position on the team, I was exhilarated, but I had butterflies in my stomach,” Quick said about her conversation with head coach Joshua Epperson. “I’m extremely blessed for the opportunity to further my career in basketball.”

Quick’s mother, a White County educator, said  she had a question for the coach when he made the offer.

“I asked, ‘Why Morgan?’ and he said that a coach in Florida at the tournament the high school had played in at Christmas had contacted him to say he had found a player that I needed,” Wendy Quick said, indicating this was a testament to her daughter’s determination and work ethic. “Morgan has always had a great attitude and bubbly personality, but sports gave her determination.”

White County Warriorettes’ coach Michael Dodgen agreed.

“Morgan has been an extremely valuable asset to the Warriorettes’ basketball program for the last four years,” Dodgen said. “She is an exceptional athlete who over the past four years worked on her game every year to make her presence on the floor known every night we stepped on the floor. Morgan is very athletic and a very good shooter who has a bright future ahead of her in every set of the way. She will do really well at Freed and under Coach Epperson from day one by contributing every day in the weight room and on the floor.”

Quick, who has been playing basketball since she was a third grader at Doyle Elementary school, attributes her success to her coaches and says that it was a slow process that has taught her much.

“My dad has been super influential to me not only as a father but also a coach,” Morgan Quick said, noting that her father coached her both during her elementary school years and her time playing in the city’s Junior-Pro basketball league and has continued to help her develop her game in. “We didn’t always see eye to eye, but that’s what has made me the player I am today. I am so thankful for everything he has taught me. We spent many nights in the Doyle gym getting shots off and working on skills. He has always pushed me to do the best of my ability.”

“Janie Brock also has been influential in my basketball career,” she spoke of her Travel Ball coach and how she influenced her game. “She has helped develop the skills and drive I have for basketball. She motivated me in ways my dad could not.”

“After getting the opportunity to play, I was able to contribute my talent on both sides of the court,” Morgan Quick said of her time at White County High School and admitting that she was on a very talented team which forced her to stay focused and work on the finer points of her own game. “These past two years have helped shape my mindset to understand the roles of each person on the court and the acknowledgement that hard work does pay off.”

Dillard Quick, Morgan Quick’s father, who played college basketball at Ole Miss and has played ball on every SEC court, said his daughter’s determination and tenacity are going to take her far.

“I’ve listened to both her proudest moments to her frustrations, but Morgan has always worked hard to better herself,” Dillard Quick said. “She has developed a good work ethic of wanting to be a better player. I think it has made her a better person off the court as well.  I am excited, proud, and anxious for Morgan. It is gratifying to know she has worked so hard to be able to play at the next level.”

Quick, who plans to study business when she gets to Freed-Hardeman, has goals for herself and admits those goals will carry over to the classroom as well as the basketball courts.

“My goals on the college court would be to set a good example for others and make my team as best as possible,” she said. “I want to give my best effort in being a team player. I plan to study in the field of business. Freed-Hardeman and playing basketball will help me realize what it takes to make a business or company successful with handwork and dedication.”

Before she heads off to college life and new friends and new teammates, Morgan Quick wanted to be sure  the girls she has shared the court with for the past 10 years know how important they are to her.

“To my fellow senior ball players, I want you to know that I will miss all our crazy times in the locker room and goofing off in practice. We have had so many good times. Going to miss all of you,” she said, and then added some advice to the girls who will still be at White County High School for the 2021-22 school year. “I would say to the Warriorettes next year that the ability to maintain a good attitude, giving your all, and playing both sides of the court will win ball games.”

But Morgan Quick said she is looking forward, not backward, so she is eager to meet the girls with whom she will spend the next four years of her life making memories.

“To the girls I will be taking on the court with next year that I’m excited to build new friendships and play ball with you,” she said.

Quick’s parents have their own advice for their daughter, and it is about making memories and enjoying the ride.

“I hope Morgan continues to have the drive she has now, to be a team player, and work the entire court offensively and defensively,” Wendy Quick said. “But my advice to her for college life is a lot like what I’ve given over the years of high school:  have fun at what you do, have as many friends as you can, always give it your best, and be happy.”

“My advice would be to work as hard as you can on both sides of the court. Make the best of each opportunity that comes her way,” Dillard Quick said,  hoping his daughter has as much fun as he did playing college basketball. “I just want Morgan to have fun and enjoy what is to come.”

As for Morgan Quick, she says she is planning to enjoy every moment.

“I am most looking forward to making new friends and showing others that I’m independent,” she said and then showed some of that bubbly personality her mother mentioned. “I’m excited to be making my own decisions financially and learning how to cook new dishes in a microwave.”