In the heart of Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on Mya Morgan, a remarkable third-year student-athlete at Mount Royal University who has been making waves in the world of volleyball. Mya, a middle blocker hailing from Winnipeg, MB, shares her journey, inspirations, and the unique experiences she has faced as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport.
Mya’s journey in sports began at the age of 8. Coming from a family deeply rooted in basketball, with both her brothers excelling in the sport, Mya’s path diverged when she discovered her passion for volleyball. Her father, a basketball enthusiast, played a pivotal role in encouraging her to pursue her own athletic journey. Mya acknowledges her father’s impact: “He pushed me because he knew that I was capable of being really good at it, even if it wasn’t basketball.”
At 15, Mya had a breakthrough moment during a Manitoba’s provincial team tryout, earning a spot on the best team. Reflecting on this turning point, she says, “It showed me that people think that I’m capable of doing this and that I’m able to play at a higher level if I wanted.”
When asked about her role models, Mya unequivocally named her father: “To this day, I still think when I get anxious in a game or I’m struggling to focus or I’m not having a good game, I think about him because he knows that I’m okay and that I can do it.” She emotionally expresses her gratitude for his unwavering support and acknowledges the significant impact he has had on her love for sports.
Mya’s father, a first-generation immigrant from Jamaica, instilled a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience. “He went through a lot to get my family here and to give me and my brothers the opportunities we’ve had.” Mya said.
In a touching moment, Mya recounts a recent experience at an MRU youth team night where young fans approached her, expressing admiration and declaring her their favorite player. She emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of Black athletes: “To inspire kids that look like me or to give them the opportunity and the feeling that they can do it too. It’s not easy to get here, but it’s really cool to see firsthand how you’re inspiring these kids and fueling their hopes and dreams.”
Mya candidly discusses her experience as a person of color in the predominantly white world of volleyball and acknowledges the challenges of being one of the few people of color in her early club volleyball years. Since attending Mount Royal, Mya has had a better experience saying “I felt very supported and understood when I came here because of the teammates that I have had and continue to have. They’ve helped me feel good about being here and playing here.”
Mya Morgan’s journey as a Black student-athlete at Mount Royal University is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers. As we celebrate Black History Month, Mya stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, showing that passion, hard work, and a supportive community can pave the way for success in any field, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.