Morgan McCammon was ready to be a star on the basketball court. But after she became disabled, she wondered if her dream might be out of reach. However, she got involved with wheelchair basketball, which allowed her to continue to pursue that dream. This led her to the University of Illinois. Now she's not only pursuing the dream of playing basketball at a high level but also her goal of becoming a teacher who inspires students to never give up on what they want to do. We talked to the senior Elementary Education major about her experience at Illinois.
What made you decide to attend Illinois to pursue education?
The driving force behind my decision to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was the rich legacy of disability sports. I saw the tradition of excellence that was prospering here and knew I had to be a part of it.
What is your favorite (education) class you have taken so far? Is there a faculty or staff member you'd like to shout out, and why?
I want to shout out one of my past professors, Mari Altshuler! I had Mari for CI 430: Teaching Children Mathematics. She led our course with contagious enthusiasm and passion. Mari took a historically divisive subject and presented it in a way that was accessible and clear.
What do you look forward to most about pursuing a career in education?
My ethos is that children's knowledge and ability should be spearheaded by their innate curiosity and genuine enthusiasm toward the world around them. I am beyond excited to cultivate a classroom where joy thrives!
Tell us about your favorite experiences on campus.
I am a 4th-year University of Illinois women's wheelchair basketball player. Being a member of this program has changed my life. To be an Illinois wheelchair basketball player is to be constantly engaged in the relentless pursuit of greatness on and off the court. It has required me to raise the bar for myself and push myself past where I thought I could go. I have been co-captain on our team for the past two years. This role has taught me that true leadership involves walking alongside unwavering belief and unfaltering empathy.
You were recently asked to present at an assembly at a local school. Tell us about that experience.
The assembly was at Bottenfield Elementary School, where I am currently placed as a student teacher. I was joined by two other U. of I. adaptive athletes, Eva Houston and Jenna Fesemyer. We talked to the kids about our individual experiences in parasport. I discussed how I thought I had my entire life planned out as a standup basketball player, and then I became disabled, and those dreams vanished. I told them about how I was then given the gift of opportunity. This opportunity didn't go exactly as I thought it would, but it has given me some amazing experiences.
I told the kids, "This is important to YOU because I want you to hear that opportunity will not always look how you thought it would. You might have plans for your life cause I know you all have big plans. You all have big goals and dreams. But I want you to know that things are going to happen; life will get in your way, and things will change. You have to make the most of where you are. Make the most of the opportunities that are in front of you. Don't focus on what you thought you would be. Focus on where you are and make the most of it."
Jenna and Eva discussed their experience competing for Team USA at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this past summer. Eva brought her bronze medal!
What are some long-term goals you have for yourself and your career?
At the end of my career, I hope to look back and feel confident that I always prioritized the heart of the child taking root. I aim to spend my career holding a mirror, reflecting an image of their boundless value and potential to each child.
What do you love most about being a part of the Illinois community?
I love how strong my community is here at U. of I. The support I feel from my professors, classmates, teammates, and coaches makes my demanding life sustainable.
What is your favorite spot to grab coffee or food or do something fun in Champaign-Urbana?
My favorite spot in Champaign-Urbana is Ambar India! I love the paneer tikka masala and the chef's special naan.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am the one-time winner of a hotdog eating contest!
