A Legend’s Homecoming
December 13, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Bulldog great Morgan William soaked in her return to Humphrey Coliseum.
STARKVILLE – Legendary Mississippi State athlete Morgan William didn't need much of an introduction as she walked out onto the floor of Humphrey Coliseum on Monday night. Eager fans instantly knew who she was and jumped to their feet.
"It was nice getting a standing ovation, even though it wasn't a bucket," William said, laughing.
The former point guard had spent four years on that very court, leading the Bulldogs to two back-to-back national championship game appearances in 2017 and 2018. Monday though, she was looking at that floor in a very different way from her courtside seat as a fan.
"It was nostalgic," William said. "Even my ride over here from Birmingham… just like college days when coming back for the holidays and things like that."
The familiar feeling that arose as William made the two-hour drive from her hometown in Alabama to the Starkville city limits faded slightly as she made her arrival. Even though just under six years have passed, there have been plenty of changes across MSU's campus, including to her home court.
"I actually got lost on campus [because of] all the renovations," William said, "And when I came to the gym, I got lost again."
In fact, the massive renovations at the Hump were completed and revealed to the public at the start of this season, meaning that William was finally getting to experience it for herself for the first time. As she walked through the updated entrance, visited the all-new club level and watched the Dawgs claim a victory on a fresh hardwood floor, William shared her pleasure with all of the changes, remarking on a few special things that stood out to her.
"I saw myself on the wall a couple of times," William said. "It just looks revamped."
It's easy to imagine that the memories hit the 5-foot-5 Bulldog icon hard as she walked through the concourse. William cemented herself in State lore with her performances, including her famous buzzer-beater shot to take down undefeated UConn in the 2017 Final Four. During her time in the Maroon and White, she racked up 1,400 career points and 656 assists while finishing with a 126-22 team record and an SEC Championship over her four years.
William reflected on some of her best memories as a Bulldog.
"We had a lot of sold-out games and good energy," William said. "A lot of dubs, a lot of close games we came back and won."
As excited as William was to be back home, MSU head coach Sam Purcell was perhaps even more thrilled to meet her.
"She gives me goosebumps, again, because she's one of the main reasons I took this job," Purcell said. "The shot, right? The shot."
He continued to praise her, adding that some of his own student-athletes have the same drive and determination as she did.
"As little as she was, boy her heart was big," Purcell said. "I think I've got a lot of young women in that locker room that have the same potential as she does."
The All-American gave current Bulldogs some inspiration ahead of their matchup against Kennesaw State. As players listened to her words, they learned lessons that went far beyond performances in games and practices.
"She talked to my team at shootaround, gave words of encouragement and we showed the video," Purcell said. "It's just another friendly reminder that this vision is real and it's possible if you can have a mindset like her."
William explained some of the advice that she specifically gave to her fellow guards.
"I just told them, you know, assists, turnovers, free throws and the W," William said. "Just do those four things, be successful and run your team."
Above all else, William wants each current Dawg to succeed in all areas of life. She loves her university, and she hopes that those who are currently walking in her shoes will show that they feel the same way.
"I just hope they keep representing Mississippi State the right way on and off the court," William said. "Continue winning, continue to dominate, competing out there to be the best that they can be and hopefully further their career in basketball if that's what they want to do."
So, where is William now, and what's next?
"[I'm] currently working for Pepsi, so I live in West Palm Beach, Florida," William said. "I'm a UGM, which is a general manager designated, so [I'm] basically learning and building capabilities to go oversee a location next."
Life away from the basketball court has been just as prolific as it once was under the bright lights of Humphrey Coliseum. As the college basketball standout continues along the journey of life, one thing is for sure: no matter where William goes, she'll always find her way back home.
"It's always nice to come back to family, where I basically grew up as a young lady," William said. "I'm eternally grateful for Mississippi State."
