Morgan Yoder’s journey at Ashland University has been shaped by her growth as both a player and a person, with basketball playing a central role in her development.
As a senior and captain on the women’s basketball team, Yoder reflects on her experience, highlighted by four consecutive G-MAC championships, leadership, and the strong bonds she has built. As her final season unfolds, Yoder’s story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the value of teamwork.
Yoder’s love for basketball began early, and her path to Ashland University was deeply influenced by her experiences growing up. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was young,” Yoder shares. “It was something that my family encouraged, and I’ve always loved the game. Coming to Ashland, I knew it was the right place for me to develop not only as a player but as a person.”
Evolving Leadership
As a senior leader, Yoder’s role has evolved over the years, and she feels deeply responsible for setting the tone for the team.
“I’ve been through so much in my time here, and now I want to share that experience with the younger players. I’m here to lead by example—whether that’s on the court, in practice, or just helping them navigate the challenges of being a college athlete,” Yoder says.
Coach Jenna Kotas, who has worked closely with Yoder, agrees, emphasizing Yoder’s leadership on and off the court.
“Morgan definitely has both qualities of being a vocal leader and a lead-by-example player,” Coach Kotas explains. “If I had to pick, I would lean more towards leading by example. She is the one who shows her teammates that the little things—discipline, hustle play—matter. And when needed, she will always give her teammates feedback on what they did right or may need to improve on. When adversity hits, she brings her teammates together to get back on the same page.”
Unprecedented Success
Yoder’s basketball career at Ashland has been marked by incredible success, with her team winning the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) championship for four straight years.
She finds that winning the championships has been amazing and each year the team was different than the previous.
“This year, we had a gritty win against Hillsdale, and that was a perfect example of the heart and resilience we’ve built over the years. It wasn’t easy, but we stayed steady, even when we were down at halftime. Those moments remind me of how far we’ve come as a team,” Yoder finds.
Beyond the championships, Yoder’s time at Ashland has been defined by the deep connections she’s formed with her teammates.
“The friendships I’ve made here are what I’ll cherish the most,” she says. “We’re not just teammates—we’re like family. It’s so special to share these experiences with people who are always there for each other, on and off the court,” she says.
A Culture of Growth
The team culture at Ashland has also played a huge role in Yoder’s development.
She states the culture here has been incredible, especially with Coach Ramsey and now with Coach Pickens.
“They’ve created an environment where basketball is fun, but we also understand that it’s just something we do—it doesn’t define who we are. That understanding has given me the freedom to play with confidence. Off the court, it’s made me a better person and more grateful for the experiences I’ve had.”
Coach Kotas also highlights how Yoder leads with both discipline and consistency.
“Her highs aren’t too high, and her lows aren’t too low. She’s always going to give her all on and off the court. Discipline is key with Yoder, whether it’s in basketball or the classroom. She’s diligent about her work and makes sure to give 100% effort to maximize herself and everyone around her.”
Preparation and Balance
As a senior, Yoder has learned the importance of preparation, both mentally and physically.
“I’m not superstitious about my pregame routine, but I always take a nap to calm my nerves,” she shares. “It’s a small thing, but it helps me feel relaxed and ready to go.”
Balancing academics with basketball has always been a challenge, but Yoder has developed strong time-management skills over the years. “Being a college athlete can be tough, especially when you’re balancing classes, travel, and everything else,” she says. “But I’ve learned to stay organized and on top of things. I make lists and keep track of deadlines so I can work ahead when I know we have a busy schedule. It’s all about managing your time wisely.”
Coach Kotas is quick to highlight Yoder’s dedication off the court as well. “Yoder’s leadership extends beyond basketball,” she explains. “In the fall, she balanced being a student-teacher while also being an athlete. Her days were busy, but she always gave it her all.”
She also found herself being committed to numerous groups outside of basketball and her student-teaching life.
“She’s also been key in coordinating team bonding and community service events, ensuring that the team is prepared and connected. On top of that, she’s involved in various campus groups like FCA, which shows her commitment to giving back to the community,” Kotas finds.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Yoder is excited about the future beyond Ashland when she graduates in May of 2025 with a degree in Intervention Specialist K-12, focusing on mild to moderate and intensive needs.
“I plan to stay in the Ashland area, teaching and applying for jobs in the local school districts,” she states.
“My fiancé and I are getting married, and we’re excited to start the next chapter of our lives here. In the future, I also want to coach—whether at the middle school or high school level—but that’s something I’ll pursue once I’ve settled into my career in education,” Yoder adds.
As Yoder prepares to graduate and take on the next phase of her life, her legacy at Ashland University will be defined by her leadership, hard work, and the relationships she’s built.
From four G-MAC championships to her role as a captain and mentor to her teammates, Yoder Yoder’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance and a deep love for the game. Her impact, both on and off the court, will inspire those around her for years to come.
