Interview Series #4: Morgan Baird

2020 F Morgan Baird is an elite small school basketball player in Oregon. She was named 2019 2A State Player of the Year and lead Coquille HS to a runner up state championship. Morgan and her teammates are poised to make another run at a state title. Morgan recently committed to Portland State University!

Read the full interview with Morgan below:

Congrats on your commitment to Portland State! Why did you choose the Vikings over other schools?

I chose Portland State over other schools because I really felt a connection with the coaching staff and the players. Funny story, before I even knew Portland State was interested in me, I went to their campus to watch a rival school play them and as I walked around campus with my mom, I kept thinking that I could see myself going to Portland State. I really liked the idea of staying in state because I love Oregon and I wanted to go to a bigger city for college(being from Coquille, with a Population of 4,550, Portland is a very big city to me) I ́m also impressed and inspired by the growth that Portland State Women's basketball has shown over the last few years.

What team did you play for this summer? What skills did you improve on during that time?

I played for Oregon Elite which is coached by Gary Lavender. I learned how to be a more explosive player at a higher intensity and how to be more versatile and play almost anywhere on the court.

What goals have you set for yourself this upcoming season?

My goal is to try to go out as a team leader and impact every game and make my whole team better.

After graduating some key seniors, which teammates do you see playing a bigger role this year?

We have a strong group of juniors and seniors this season who gained valuable experience last year that they ́re bringing back to our team. I anticipate them all making a big impact.

What are your team goals for this season?

As always, my team winning a state title is always the goal, especially coming off a heart-breaking state championship loss last season.

Do you have a pregame ritual?

I like to go through 10 minutes of ball handling in the locker room before the game.

If you didn’t play basketball, what sport would you play instead?

I would play shuffleboard for sure. But in reality, if I didn't play basketball I could focus even further on improving my trumpet skills.

Who do you think is better, Lakers or Clippers?

I like the Clippers more. But my favorite is the WNBA team the Seattle Storm