By Suha Cho

Other than being an inspiring coach who is also a celebrated athlete herself, Morgan McLaughlin is an aspiring artist.

Growing up, she spent her childhood being surrounded by art. Her father was a creative arts director, who had come from a background in the arts. Throughout her childhood, her family was very supportive of art and encouraged Ms. McLaughlin to pursue her interests in art.

​Although Ms. McLaughlin did not pursue art as a career, she maintained her interest in art throughout her very successful career playing basketball for SFU and overseas in Europe. In addition to her basketball career, Ms. McLaughlin also studied history and recently achieved her master’s degree in this field.

Her message to other artists is to not be afraid. Her philosophy on art is that there is always an opportunity to create art. Although art can be messy and there is always a fear of judgement, everyone has the ability to create art or to be creative. We should embrace art that can be considered “non-traditional”, because not all art has to be a drawing or on a canvas – the limitlessness of art should be celebrated.

 Everyone has a different definition of art and everyone has a different view on what art can be. Therefore, Ms. McLaughlin believes that art should be created for the sole purpose of the creator’s pleasure and enjoyment, and not for anyone else.