The adjustment from high school to college is a tough transition. It comes with having to make new friends, learn new environments and find an intricate balance between being studious and having a social life. Now imagine trying to balance all of that while moving to a new country— that is what NKU women’s basketball player Kamora Morgan is doing.

Morgan is from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and found her love of basketball early in life. She grew up playing soccer, but it didn’t take long before she found her interest swaying to basketball at the age of 12. She watched the NBA All-Star game that year with her dad and fell in love with how Steph Curry played the game. He quickly became her favorite NBA player and basketball muse. 

She had a successful basketball career before even arriving in the United States at Fort Erie International Academy in Ontario. That success led her to become a member of the U18 Canadian national team, an experience Morgan said was a time in her life she will cherish forever. 

“One of the best experiences of my life,” Morgan said.

One of Morgan’s favorite parts of being on the team was getting to travel, especially her opportunity to travel to Colombia. 

Morgan admitted that her experiences with the national team came with its own hardships and life lessons.

“I originally got cut at Team Canada first and then ended up making it,” she said. “It just teaches you, like, never, no matter what happens, never give up on yourself. Always keep believing in yourself no matter what happens.”

That belief in herself is what led her to become a Division One basketball player. 

In Canada, Morgan knew she could never find the high-level competition she was constantly chasing.

“Basketball-wise there’s definitely a lot more competition [in the United States],” Morgan said. “Like, back in Canada, we don’t have any Division One programs, so that’s why I originally came here. Because I want to play at a higher level.”

While basketball is bigger on a national scale in the United States and is not considered the main sport in Canada, Morgan said she will never forget where she came from.

“That’s my home. All my family is there. I feel like Canada is a great country, so that will always be my home,” She said. 

Morgan could have had a successful professional career in Canada but found herself enamored with NKU. 

“When I first came here back in the summer, it was a good environment. I really liked the coaches. When I came here, I talked to a few of the players, and they were really nice. I also love the facilities,” Morgan said.

The freshman has found success in her role as the first person off the bench, providing a spark for the team and essentially being an extension of the starters. She knows what the team needs when she checks in.

“Just to impact the game. Whether it’s offensively or defensively, just being able to help my team in some sort of way,” the freshman said.

Morgan has played that role to perfection and has been recognized for her success. She has already won two Freshman of the Week awards from the Horizon League from her play, and there is still a month left in the season to add to those awards. 

Morgan said this recognition helps her feel like all the hard work she has put in since the age of 12 is paying off. 

“It felt good. It helps you know with my confidence. I’m actually getting rewarded, and they’re showing me that, okay, you’re doing something right.” Morgan said.

The freshman said she has been able to make many great memories already in her short time as a Norse, but her favorite memory so far was playing against Cleveland State at the Wolstein Center. She said being able to respond to the consistent trash talk throughout the game felt good.

She had 21 points that night, tying her career high to that point. 

Teammates love what Morgan brings to the team.

“Kamora brings a calming presence to the team, which is invaluable in high-pressure moments. Her versatility is another huge asset because she can shoot, drive and handle the ball as well,” Senior teammate  Kalissa Lacy said. 

Director of Women’s Basketball Operations Lindsey Duvall echoed those sentiments.

“Kamora brings athleticism and IQ for the game. She is a player that can get her own shot and also create to get a teammate a shot,” Duvall said. 

Morgan’s ability to seamlessly acclimate to her surroundings has not gone unnoticed.

“Kamora is strong-minded and resilient. She has the ability to overcome any adversity she faces, staying focused and determined no matter the challenge,” Lacy said. 

“I think her personality helps her acclimate to new surroundings because she is very go-with-the-flow and can adapt to any environment,” Duvall said. 

Morgan can do all this by finding inspiration from her favorite Canadian basketball player.

“Myself.”