The University of Wisconsin welcomed senior Cayla McMorris into the 1000-point scorer club during last Saturday’s game against Ohio State when she dropped 15 points. McMorris, the 25th women’s basketball player to reach such a plateau, has been one of UW’s most prominent offensive leaders over the past few seasons. It was only a matter of time until she reached this achievement.
Throughout her career, McMorris has consistently contributed to Wisconsin’s success. She’s been both productive on the court and a leader off of it.
McMorris’ versatility is a key reason for her success.
“She can drive, pull-up and shoot, and I think that makes her a really big offensive threat on the court,” senior guard Lexy Richardson said. “I admire the heart and drive she plays with, she never settles for less than the best and really pushes us around her to get better as well.”
McMorris leads the Badgers with an average of 14.1 points per game this season. However, she does more than just score, as she has also made a significant impact on the defensive end as well.
“She can pull-up in attacking and transition,” sophomore forward Courtney Fredrickson said. “She does it all. She rebounds and she constantly has a good court vision finding other teammates. I feel like there is just one thing that players are usually really good at, but she has multiple things that she is very good at.”
In addition to Fredrickson, many other of McMorris’ teammates were eager to express how much she’s meant to the program over the past few seasons.
I admire every aspect,” junior forward Marsha Howard said. “The way she is able to control herself on and off the court. As for me, I tend to show a lot of emotion.”
Throughout her career, McMorris has also worked on developing her skills at being an effective leader on the court by encouraging her teammates to improve and holding herself to a high standard.
“Especially this year she has become much more of a vocal leader on and off the court,” Richardson said. “Whether it is in the gym getting extra shots in and bringing people with her, or just her hard work at practice and pushing us all to get better.”
Furthermore, though many teammates will be sad to see her go as the end of her senior year approaches, they’ve relished playing together
“It’s been great, she is one of my best friends,” Howard said. “So being able to play with her is just a win-win.”
Not only does surpassing 1000 points represent a huge accomplishment for McMorris herself, but her impact reaches people far beyond the program.
“I think coming from the area people know who [McMorris] is, people see her, she is one of those people that little kids want to be,” Richardson said. “They come see her, and I think she has been a really good role model for the community, the state and also Minnesota to show that people can come from wherever and still be successful.”
