After suffering a concussion in the third game of her junior year, Morgan Dale (Jamestown, N.D.) was redshirted and granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA. Although it was a tough choice, Dale eventually decided to come back for another season to help lead the Blazers to the post-season.
 
"I was unsure about going to school for another full year, but once I made my decision to come back I was excited for the season to start and to spend time with a great group of individuals," Dale said. "I would think about my decision to play or not twenty years from now and I would have definitely regretted passing up on the opportunity to play another season of the game I've loved since I was a little girl."
 
Dale has appeared in every game since being apart of the team, and has been racking up quite impressive stats this season. After leading her team and finishing fourth in the MIAC with 7.3 rebounds per game last year, Dale has come back this season to lead the MIAC with an average of 11.4 rebounds per game. She also averages 9.9 points per game, which puts her very close to averaging a double-double in every game this season.
 
When asked about her success this year, Dale explained that "knowing that this season is going to be the final opportunity that I'll ever have to play a game that has been a part of my life for so long has motivated me to do my best, not only for myself, but also for my teammates."
 
After receiving her second concussion very early in the 2011-2012 season, Dale explained that the process of returning seemed like it took forever. "I couldn't wait to feel healthy and get back to playing competitively again."
 
Since returning, she has put up 16 rebounds six times, along with 17, 19 and a school-record-tying 21 in games so far this season. With 620 in her career entering the weekend, she has been flying up the Blazers' all time charts. After starting the season outside the top-10, she is currently No. 5 in CSB history and just 10 away from fourth. "I wasn't sure what my seasons would look like after returning from my concussions, but I just figured I should probably just try my hardest and see what I can make of it."
 
Besides her statistical success this season, Dale has also been a leader on the team and attributes much of her success to her team. "Although I am proud of those statistical placements in the MIAC, it would not be possible without having my teammates by my side on the court. Those accomplishments are something that I strive for to benefit the team."
 
As a captain of the team, Dale has also worked well with many of the underclassmen on the team, "I want them to know that I believe in their abilities. Obviously they are playing basketball at the collegiate varsity level because they have the skills to do so. Therefore, I just try to remind them that I have confidence in everything they do on the court."
 
As the Blazers head towards the end of the regular season and look to jump out of their three game losing streak, Dale looks forward to fulfilling the goals she has set for the rest of the season. "Win the remainder of our games and make it to the playoff tournaments! Then win the tournament!"
 
The Blazers take on St. Olaf at 3 p.m., Feb. 8 in Northfield.