It was senior night, 10 days ago. I went up for a layup (made the shot!) and came down wrong on my left knee, and felt a pop. My coaches and the athletic trainer came running over and we all feared the worst. The MRI 3 days later confirmed, a torn ACL and partial meniscus tear. I was and am still devastated and in shock. I have never missed a game or a practice. I work out every morning at the gym. I am captain of the varsity basketball team, and love this team so much. Now, like many athletes before me I have joined a club I don't want to be in. So what do I do? Well, my parents have been helping me process this grief of not playing my senior softball season which starts in the spring. And having to get surgery, and months of PT and rehab is scary. And all of this happened in one play. This brings me back to what I love about basketball. Basketball has been my favorite sport since I started playing in 2nd grade. I played on a co-ed team, and I was the only girl. All the coaches said "Give it to Morgan!" because it was sort of a trick. I would be ready and no one would be guarding me. I developed a love for this sport because of the team mates and coaches I have had over the years. There is nothing like the squeaking sounds of tennis shoes on the court, whistles blowing and quick bounce passes. I love how fast paced it is, how a couple of baskets can change the game in a minute. I still cannot believe I am missing the end of my senior year sports, and other activities. It will look different for me. But like many things, this is a mental challenge. Basketball has taught me that if you work hard, every day, in the gym, or in the classroom, you can do anything. This scholarship represents more than financial help. It represents access to education and opportunity. I plan to use it to cover tuition, textbooks, and required course materials. Reducing financial strain will allow me to focus on my studies as well as lessen the burden on my family and loans I will need to pay back. Basketball remains central to who I am, not because it is easy, but because it continually demands growth. This scholarship will help ensure that both my athletic and academic development continue with the same focus and determination that I will need to get through this ACL recovery.