Senior takes a road less traveled towards hoops success

Morningside University senior Taylor Rodenburgh is a true student of the game. 

"I love to play basketball but also watch it," the Ireton, Iowa, native mused. "It's enjoyable for me to read where defenses are positioning themselves."

Rodenburgh's study processes have led to impressive results. She goes into the 2022 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics opening round Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, only seven points away from joining the Mustangs' 1000-point club. She reached those lofty heights from the inside and outside, hitting at better than 42 percent overall, over 38 percent from beyond the arc, and over 85 percent at the free-throw line.

For a large share of her collegiate career, all of those attributes have been compiled in a bench role. She's stepped on the floor 109 times with just 17 starts to make those numbers all the more glittering. Rodenburgh doesn't mind how it's happened --- she's just grateful for the chance to play the game.

"I've become accustomed to being in that 'super sub' role for the team," Rodenburgh admitted. "I still have a chance to get a ton of minutes and be able to make as big of an impact as I can."

A soft-spoken and patient personality, along with affluence for helping others, is at the root of on and off-court successes.

"I've always had a passion for helping people," she reflected. "It doesn't matter in what capacity. For example, I've had the chance to intern at Girls, Inc. during college, and it was a tremendous experience. That kind of opportunity has helped shape my post-graduate career ideas towards being the director of a non-profit organization."

"It's all about being a part of something bigger than myself," she added. "I feel the same way about basketball. This game has allowed me to make some of my best friends, especially here at Morningside. Being able to represent a place that has done so much for us is something my teammates and I cherish." 

While a smile can be seen and laughter heard from Rodenburgh at many avenues, there is still plenty of grit and determination within her, especially after a missed shot.

"(Assistant) Coach Jill (Bodammer) is always reminding us to get a rebound," she said. "I'm not afraid to get in there and try and get my hands on the ball to keep the possession alive or get it started off an opposition miss."

"It has led to some injuries which have sidelined me from time to time," she added. "However, working back through those types of things has given me perseverance. Once I'm healthy again, I want to get on the floor and play even harder." 

That competitive spirit, which led her to acquire more than 500 career collegiate caroms, was polished by having older sisters star in high school before Taylor got her on-court scholastic opportunities. 

"I was always following them everywhere," she reflected. "We were always playing basketball with friends and family, it seemed." 

Enjoying court competitiveness while having a zest for making a difference in her world --- a student of the game and beyond.