Being a successful student-athlete takes dedication, talent and perseverance. It’s something Brock Badgers senior Jessica Morris — just like her shot from behind the arc — makes look easy.

But while the Badgers women’s basketball team has been piling up the awards during a wild season of playoff comebacks and Top 10 national rankings, the fourth-year forward from Guelph often goes about her work without much fanfare.

All-star point guard Melissa Tatti calls Morris an unsung hero amongst all of the team’s accomplishments.

“Jess doesn’t always get enough credit for what she does on the floor. She’s a threat and without her I personally wouldn’t be as successful and neither would the team,” said Tatti, who was named OUA Player of the Year. “She’s a gritty, tough player who does all the little things we need to be successful that don’t always show on the stat sheet.”

During the regular season and OUA playoffs, Morris has been a consistent force in the Badgers’ lineup by averaging 13.6 points per game and delivering momentum-changing threes to help the Badgers capture their first provincial title since 1983.

Brock has, in head coach Mike Rao’s words, designed a blueprint to create a balanced scoring attack this season.

That blueprint was at work on the national stage during the Badgers’ tournament-opening victory over the Calgary Dinos at the U SPORTS Women’s Final 8 in Ottawa.

As Brock’s deep threat, Morris keeps the defence honest when she has the ball and opposing defences have struggled to guard the Badgers’ fearsome starting lineup.

Yesterday, the Dinos found out the hard way.

Tatti scored 17 points, Samantha Keltos dropped 24 while Morris posted 20 while hitting five-of-seven shots from beyond the arc.

“They weren’t respecting her shot in the first half yesterday leaving her open,” said Tatti. “Once they had to start guarding her and respecting her shot, it opened things up for the rest of us.”

Morris and Tatti are the only two graduating, senior players on the roster.

“Jess is one of my favourite girls to have played with at Brock,” said Tatti, a fifth-year guard. “We have a strong bond off the court, which really impacts our chemistry and play. She’s one of my best friends and has been through the ups and downs with me, which makes this experience that much more special.”

It’s not uncommon to see Brock’s offence deliver three-point plays. Tatti will drive the ball up the court and kick it over to Morris for an open three.

“We like to call it ‘The Granny Connection’,” added Tatti, in reference to the two elders of the team. “She’s a really under-estimated player who is extremely tough on defence, has shut down some of the toughest players in the OUA, and hits game-time threes.”

Morris, and the entire women’s basketball team, are role models when it comes to balancing academics and athletics, said Associate Director of Brock Sports, Emily Allan.

“These women are exemplary Badgers, demonstrating what it takes to be successful student athletes both on and off the court,” said Allan. “They are demonstrating that it can be possible to balance all the demands at once. This group is on the court, in the gym, watching video, recovering, receiving athletic therapy treatment, all while balancing their academic workload, and it’s something we take great pride in.”

Morris may be the true definition of a U SPORTS student-athlete. Not only is she a fundamental shooter on the court, but also demonstrates success in the classroom.

The three-time Academic All-Canadian strives for success on and off the court, including a part-time job at Brock University’s Central Equipment Room, also known as the Cage.

“Working at the Cage is great because I’m around other athletes and people with busy schedules, so it’s nice to be able to relate to similar people,” she said.

Morris said there are some ingredients for juggling a successful, busy lifestyle.

“It’s all about staying organized,” said Morris. “I like being busy and having things to do, so I enjoy pre-planning out my days, but the most important thing is to set aside study time, and sleep.”

“Sleep is huge. I don’t let up on that even though I’m always studying. Sleep is important as a student-athlete, so it’s crucial to balance.”

Morris is studying Therapeutic Recreation, which focuses on ensuring all individuals have access to meaningful leisure in their lives, most-notably people with disabilities, illnesses, recent immigrants or people who experience poverty, to increase their quality of life.

“I love my program so much,” said Morris, who has her sights set on doing her master’s in Occupational Therapy with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist one day. “If that doesn’t work out then I’d like to find a career in which I work with individuals with disabilities and illnesses, or any limitations, to help them live optimally and enhance their overall quality of life,” said Morris.

A native of ‘The Royal City’, Morris’ parents and three siblings — Drew, Alison and Rebecca — are either attending or have graduated from the University of Guelph.

Morris was a Gryphon for two years before coming to Brock.

“I’m kind of the black sheep in the sense that I transferred,” said Morris. “But my family still all comes to watch me play and wears Brock Badgers gear.”

Morris credits her parents Barb and Mike as having the biggest influence on her work ethic.

“I look up to both of them in many ways,” she said. “The greatest lessons they have taught me are to work for the things you want, put 100 per cent effort into everything you do, and treat others the way you wish to be treated.

“These lessons have helped me to find success in both academics and athletics, as well as in building strong relationships with others.”

On the court, Morris said she models her game after brother Drew, who played for the Guelph men’s basketball team from 2009-12.

She grew up traveling to all of his tournaments and began emulating his style once she started playing competitive basketball.

“He was inspiring to me, because although he was not the biggest, strongest or fastest guy on the court, he always gave 100 per cent effort and moved creatively and effectively to create opportunities for himself and his teammates,” said Morris. “He was an unselfish player who was not afraid to sacrifice his body or get in on gritty plays.”

With a win in the quarter-final Thursday, Morris and the Badgers advanced to the U SPORTS Women’s Final 8 semi-final versus the UPEI Panthers on Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. The winner of the game, being hosted at the TD Place Arena. The winner will advance to the gold medal game Sunday at 5 p.m. The losing team will play in the bronze medal game Sunday at noon.

The games will be shown on television screens around Brock University and can be streamed live on CBCSports.ca