Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?
Autum Morings: Basketball is my escape from everything, it’s my comfort zone. I could have the worst day but as soon as I play a game or get some shots up, I’m relived and refreshed.
Joe Gaiter: When did you start playing basketball and what inspired you to play?
Autum Morings: I started playing basketball very young around about 6, my dad inspired me he was a premier athlete in his time and me playing and having passion for basketball allowed us to bond more.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Bertie High School?
Autum Morings: Bertie High School and the community of Bertie will forever hold a special place in my heart. I remember when I first transferred to Bertie the summer going into my sophomore year and my dad had took me to Bertie’s gym and they were practicing for summer league and as soon as I stepped foot in the gym the work ethic and mentality Bertie instills in you I felt it, I felt the energy and it’s been embedded in me ever since.
Joe Gaiter: How important has your family and friends been to your personal development?
Autum Morings: My family and friends have been crucial in my development they have motivated me to be the best and to continue my basketball journey. They’ve supported me every step of the way. Some of my friends have been in the gym with me while I work out and rebound for me, so I really appreciate my family and friends.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruiting experience.
Autum Morings: My recruiting experience was exciting. After coming back from nationals with Cape Fear I had been communicating with multiple schools, but I knew I wanted to narrow my list down. I took a visit to Flagler College, Augusta University, and Francis Marion. I didn’t have any schools closer that I really wanted to attend so after my visit from Flagler a week later I verbally committed. A day after I verbally committed, I get a call from Coach Bailey and he wanted to bring me on a visit. My family and I came to Atlanta to meet Coach Bailey and my parents loved Clark. After my visit me and Coach Bailey talked, and I verbally committed to Clark. I wouldn’t necessarily have done anything different, but I just would’ve been more patient.
Joe Gaiter: You dominated basketball at Cape Fear CC. How did it feel to get your championship ring?
Autum Morings: To win two rings at Cape Fear was amazing. In high school we went deep into the playoffs every year and came up short. So, to complete a season and end it getting awarded with a ring for all my hard work was breath taking. It was definitely worth the wait.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Clark Atlanta University?
Autum Morings: I chose Clark because of the prestige of the university on the academic’s side as far as the sports side I wanted to be a part of the rebuilding of that program and build something special. Coach Bailey told me how I would be used in his system. It felt like a great fit for me.
Joe Gaiter: CAU was 8-14 this year. What happened and how can you improve that next year?
Autum Morings: Last year we had a lot of new pieces and people who had never played together before and the injury bug hurt us also. Next year we can improve by holding ourselves accountable and outworking everyone day in and day out.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like the underdog?
Autum Morings: I am an underdog, I was under recruited. I was told I was too small. I didn’t make all conference this year so that’s a chip on my shoulder for next year. But the underdog always prevails.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Coach Tony Bailey and Coach Nicole Graham?
Autum Morings: My relationship with Coach Bailey and Coach Cole is great. I really respect them and what they are doing. I’ve enjoyed playing for them this past year and can’t wait for next year.
Joe Gaiter: What are your strengths and weakness playing forward?
Autum Morings: My strengths are the ability to rebound the ball at a high level and the energy I bring is contagious to my teammates, I can guard 1-5, I can play with my back to the basket and also face you up. My weakness I would say is I’m undersized as a forward, so I tend to get tested from time to time.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity on and off the court this year?
Autum Morings: This year I would say my adversity off the court would be adjusting academically coming from a community college to a university the workload is different. On the court me staying healthy, I battled a lot of injuries this year that kept me from playing to my full capability.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you are at your athletic peak?
Autum Morings: No, I feel like my athletic peak will come this summer leading into the season.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during your offmseason?
Autum Morings: This off season I will be training at Bertie high school with my old coach, my dad and some of my former teammates.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Autum Morings: In 5 years, I see myself being successful in whatever career I chose whether that be coaching or doing something with Graphic designs.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we should look out for next season?
Autum Morings: Oshane Ximines of the Ny Giants and Greg Williams of Elizabeth City State University.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Autum Morings: My dad has beat cancer multiple times, he currently is on dialysis and has one kidney remaining. The one kidney has overworked itself and now he needs a transplant. Everything I do is for him; every season is dedicated to him. His fight keeps me going.
