Morghan Arnold Returns From Car Accident To Become Team Leader At Va. Intermont

BRISTOL, Va. – Morghan Arnold’s world took a sudden detour two years ago.

The Virginia Intermont senior was driving home from basketball practice at Virginia High. What happened next left Arnold in a neck brace and changed her entire perspective on life.

“It was the day before Halloween,” Arnold said. “I was making a left-hand turn toward the VI campus across from the Virginia High track, and the sun was in my eyes.”

Seconds later, a jeep slammed into the passenger side of Arnold’s compact sports car.

“I just remember looking down and seeing my arm twisted into kind of an S shape,” Arnold said.

Mycah Arnold, who was driving behind her sister, was the first person to reach Arnold. The scene wasn’t pretty.

“I asked Mycah to help me, but she couldn’t really do much but lay me down and hold my neck,” Arnold said. “Thankfully, an off-duty firefighter came by. He knew what to do.”

Arnold was rushed to the hospital with a broken neck.

“I was scared,” Arnold said. “My biggest fear was not being able to walk again.”

VI women’s basketball coach Jaclyn Dickens arrived moments after the collision.

“I was getting into my car when some of the players called me,” Dickens said. “I got to Morghan as fast as I could. It was definitely a scary thing.”

Dickens remembers the first words that Arnold spoke to her.

“Morghan told me that she was sorry,” Dickens said.

Arnold spent one week in the hospital, then was able to resume classes one week later. She was forced to wear a halo device and soft brace around her neck for nearly eight months.

“After I got home, I had flashbacks for a week,” Arnold said. “I would wake up scared to death.”

Gradually, Arnold’s thoughts returned to basketball.

“I looked like a mess with that brace, but I was able to sit on the bench with my teammates later that season,” Arnold said. “Not being able to play really hurt. At least I was there with my team.”

Two years later, Arnold is now a senior captain and starting center for the Cobras. Apart from a prominent scar on her left arm, Arnold is healthy. She’s also happy.

“The doctor said my neck is stronger than it was when I broke it,” Arnold said.

Dickens said that her team leader deserves praise for persevering through the dark times.

“Morghan worked hard to become stronger and quicker, and she’s really helped us the past two years,” Dickens said. “We haven’t been as successful as we’d like to be record-wise, but Morghan is trying to help us turn things around.”

Arnold credits her sisters, Mycah and Meghan, for easing her path back to the court. Each of the Arnold sisters was a multisport at Volunteer High School.
Mycah and Meghan came to VI to play softball, while Morghan was recruited for basketball. The sisters have participated in both sports at VI, even playing together on the same basketball team at one point.

“We’ve always been a real competitive family, and it’s been great to have my sisters here at VI,” Arnold said. “My sisters took care of me after the wreck, and they’ve always been there for me. Our bond is tight.”

While Arnold currently averages five points as a starting post player for VI, she has bigger concerns these days.

“I’m so grateful to have my health and be back on the team,” Arnold said. “I play every game now like it’s my last. The car wreck was an awakening for me, and I take extra time when I drive by the spot where it all happened.
“Life can change so quickly. I realize that now.”

Virginia Intermont Women

Nickname: Cobras
2008-09 Record: 6-25, 5-13
2009-10 Record: 1-8, 0-3

Top Returnees: Morghan Arnold (5-10, Sr.); Heather Odle (5-9, JR.); Haley Odle (5-9, Jr.); Ashley Grimm (5-11, So.)

Outlook: Freshmen Priscilla Moseh (Springfield, Va.), Alicia Cook (Charlotte Courthouse, Va.) and Ca’Star Harper (Charlotte Courthouse, Va.) have made a quick transition to the college game. Moseh leads the team with 10.6 points per game. Harper averages nine points and 10 rebounds, while Cook follows at 8 ppg. The Cobras, picked for last in the Appalachian Athletic Association, have suffered due to a lack of overall inexperience.

Virginia Intermont Men

Nickname: Cobras

2008-09 Record: 7-25, 5-13
2009-10 Record: 0-10, 0-3

Top Returnees: Ben Mulkey (sophomore guard); Jimmie Ross (sophomore guard); Steven Richardson (junior guard)
Outlook: Energetic coach Scott Hoagland has been a successful recruiter, but the Cobras are still searching for a successful mix. All-Group A selection Tihlee Anderson (Gate City) and Tre’ Webb (Tennessee High) are among the top newcomers, while juniors Marquette Knight (Nashville), Marlo Lomax (Danville, Va.) and Wade Bryant (Knoxville) have played well in spots. VI was picked for last in the AAC.