Morgan Yaeger didn’t know if she’d ever be healthy enough to play again.
While redshirting the 2017-18 season because of three bulging discs in her lower back, Yaeger sat on the sidelines and watched as Oregon women’s basketball won the Pac-12 regular season and tournament titles while making a second successive run to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
“It’s definitely an experience that I’ve gained value from,” Yaeger said. “It was really tough last year trying to stay positive.”
After a year off the court, Yaeger is back on the court for the Ducks as the No. 3-ranked team in the nation looks to clear the Elite Eight hurdle it has fallen at in the past two seasons. Now, she’s positive again as she hopes to help lead the Ducks to the Final Four, but she and her teammates will need to stay fit with just nine players able to compete this season.
“My goal is to stay healthy,” Yaeger said. “Obviously, we don’t have great numbers this year so I just want to stay healthy and so I can stay on the court and I can help this team win.”
Yaeger has been doing a lot to make sure she does stay healthy and a part of Oregon’s rotation. She’s doing pilates in addition to her usual workouts to help ensure that she stays fit throughout the season.
During her struggles last season, Yaeger was still around the team every day. Her teammates, specifically Maite Cazorla and Satou Sabally, were two people she spent time with to keep her mind away from the everyday grind.
“We’re on busy schedules with school and basketball and if you’re not doing those you’re eating or sleeping,” Yaeger said. “To have that kind of outlet — to have those two — it was really great.”
Yaeger was able to get a much-needed break this past summer, going home to Adelaide, Australia. She eased her way back into training when she returned to Eugene in August.
“I came in on limited, adjustment program,” she said. “I’m still being cautious and making sure that day to day I’m doing the right things. If I’m not feeling right, I’m taking it easy and not doing much. So far, I’ve been making strides each and every day so that’s great.”
Head coach Kelly Graves said that Yaeger was one of the biggest surprises during the buildup to the season.
“Morgan has been going live from day one,” Graves said. “She looks terrific.”
Yaeger’s best asset on the court has been her on-ball defense, but the redshirt sophomore is looking to improve her shooting.
As a freshman, Yaeger played in 33 games and averaged 9.4 minutes per game while earning five steals. Through three games, Yaeger already has three steals.
“She’s really exciting,” Cazorla said. “She is going to be hungry. She’s going to be excited to play.”
The Final Four expectations don’t faze Yaeger. She’s happy just to be a part of the ride.
“Just finally being able to step out on the court again,” Yaeger said, “it’s the best feeling.”
Follow Shawn Medow on Twitter @ShawnMedow
