We chit-chatted with Old Dominion senior Victoria Morris, the team’s leading scorer (17.3 ppg) who also a sizzling .436 from beyond the arc. Here are the highlights from the Cincinnati native, who amassed 25 points in a pair of games last week to lead ODU (5-3) to a Conference USA sweep of Florida Atlantic.
Christmas memories:
My nephew (Christopher, nearly 11 months old), it was his first Christmas so it was all about him
What it’s like playing during this pandemic:
You definitely hear more from the bench and the coaches, but honestly, I
thought it would be a bigger adjustment. We’re allowed to have 250 fans, and for the VCU game they were really loud. But to me, it hasn’t really been a big adjustment, except for the seating. We’re sitting on different sides of the court. It’s been a smooth adjustment for me.
Two differences:
(COVID) testing 3 times a week and not being able to have 24-hour access to the gym.
Opting out, opting in (Morris opted out of this season, announced in October but later changed her mind):
I think mental health is a real thing so I was kind of going through it as well mentally. That little break did help me out mentally. I wasn’t playing, and that little break rejuvenated me. I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
On former coach Nikki McCray:
I wouldn’t be here without her. I talked to her when she won her first game I congratulated her on that. It’s always love on both ends.
On coach D (Delisha Milton-Jones):
Coach D, she’s a real cool person. She’s really down-to-earth. She’s really easy to talk to. She’s real slick with her words (chuckle). But she’s a real cool coach. It’s a different system, a different adjustment, but I love it.
On no NCAA Tournament in 2020:
I ain’t gonna lie, it stays with me because we had everybody returning. We could have made a run in the tournament. I think about that all the time.
On her line from this year’s VCU game (a career-high 31 points in 41 minutes, including 7 3-pointers; ODU won 81-76)
I remember losing to them last year (62-49; Morris held to 6 points). I really couldn’t get my shot off. I really couldn’t get in a rhythm. I just wanted to be aggressive. When it’s your fourth year playing, you just have a different mindset. I just wanted to really win the game. I remember last year it wasn’t pretty.
The big difference this season:
I’m happy off court. I love my peace. There’s some things you really can’t control in life. I’m a person who’s all about my peace.
Her go-to song:
“We Gon Make It,” by Cordae and Meek Mill
A new hobby:
I just got into journaling. It makes you appreciate things, appreciate life.
Someone else to cheer for:
I’m a huge LeBron fan. I follow Louisville men’s and women’s basketball. I have a friend on the men’s team, Carlik Jones, from Cincinnati.
Bingeworthy:
“Power” and “The 100”
Her major:
Criminal justice
What’s next?
I’ll see where basketball takes me. If it takes me somewhere, I’m going to go. As far as afterward, I’d like to be an investigator or detective. I’ve always imagined me doing that.
Bet you didn’t’ know:
I love to watch sunsets.
On leadership:
When I came here I wasn’t a natural leader at all. I had to learn how to speak up. Coach McCray took me aside. She wanted me to be the leader on the team Every day she would just put this in my ear: ‘Leader leader leader.’
What she misses about her hometown, Cincinnati:
I love Skyline chili.
Also, about Cincy . . .
We have some diehard sports fans.. Every year they disappoint us, the Bengals and Reds. If you turn a corner, you’re going to see a Cincinnati Reds jersey or a Bengals jersey.
COVID mindset:
Stay ready, be ready.
On what it’s mean to be a (Lady) Monarch
It’s meant a lot to me. These four years I’ve transformed into a better person. I’ve grown. The connections and the relationships I’ve made have been the most important. The organic relationships are the ones I will never forget.