By Derrick Smith

Morgan Borgstadt has had a basketball in her hands for as long as she can remember. From the time she was able to pick up a basketball, the sport has been a part of her life. Growing into the player that she is today has taken a lot, but she also knows that the work pays off. 

“I have put in a lot of hard work in order to be the best athlete I can be,” Borgstadt said. “I have also been dedicated to the sport of basketball. One of my favorite memories is when our team made it to the state tournament last year with my sister. Being able to share that moment and seeing the work we had put in pay off was great.”

Morgan is a junior at Verdigris High School, where she plays point guard for the Lady Cardinals. She is also a member of the school’s volleyball team. 

Mike Buntin, the head girls basketball coach at Verdigris, says that Borgstadt is an outstanding player and a key member of his team.

“Morgan is one the best all-around players in the state,” the coach said. “She is extremely strong and athletic. Not only is she multi-talented on offense but she is also one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. She is an outstanding leader on this team.”

Throughout her life and career, Morgan has had people that have made an impact on her, both as an athlete and as a person. 

“I have been blessed with two awesome people that have had a great influence on my life,” she said. “My dad and coach Buntin have both played a big role in my life. They both push me to be the best that I can be and they inspire me to be a great leader.”

In the classroom, Morgan says that out of all of her teachers, there is one that she would consider her favorite.

“Mr. Clark taught my Algebra II class,” she said. “He made learning fun and I appreciated that.”

Along with playing sports, Borgstadt is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Verdigris.