By Chris Parker

Carl Junction’s Katie Scott commits to join Molly Miller at Grand Canyon University

By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

Carl Junction 6-foot-3 senior and Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year Katie Scott has been granted a release from her National Letter of Intent by Drury and will sign with Division One program Grand Canyon University.

Scott, who also took home Miss Show-Me Basketball, Class 4 Player of the Year and COC Player of the Year, will rejoin coach Molly Miller, who left Drury earlier this month to accept the head coaching position at GCU.

After considering several different Division One options, the opportunity to join Miller was one Scott just couldn’t pass up.

“Coach Miller is a winner,” Scott said. “Everything she does in life, she does with the intention of being the best. She is exactly the type of person I want to surround myself with. In my opinion, there is no one better to learn from and grow with than her.

“I’m so blessed to have such a strong relationship with Coach Miller. She has put an immense amount of faith in me in the past several years, and I have the utmost faith that she will make the best player and person I can be.”

This was hardly an easy decision for Scott, who signed with the Lady Panthers during the early signing period back in November. This coming after her initial commitment to Missouri State University was put on hold by another coaching change – Kellie Harper’s move from Springfield to take over her alma mater at Tennessee.

Few know the fluidity of coaching situations at the college level better than Scott, despite the fact she hasn’t even graduated high school yet.

The decision to follow Miller to Phoenix wasn’t one that came easy for Scott, as she valued the opportunity to stay close to home and play for the nation’s premiere Division Two program, as well as her relationship with new head coach Amy Eagan.

Drury handled the decision graciously, allowing Scott out of her NLI and opening the door for the senior to make a very difficult choice.

“I will forever be grateful for my experience with Drury University,” said Scott. “Every single person welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. I absolutely love and support Coach Eagan. I have complete faith that Drury has the ability to bring home a national championship, and I’ll always be cheering them.”

Oklahoma was also in the mix for Scott after extending her an offer last week. Current OU assistant Jackie Stiles was on the staff at MSU that originally earned Scott’s commitment.

This has been quite the year for Scott.

Just 12 months ago Harper left MSU, which ultimately led to the re-opening of Scott’s recruitment. After a successful summer on the grassroots circuit, Scott had heard from several D1 programs, but made the choice to commit and sign with Drury.

Her senior season on the court saw her average 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3.2 steals and 3 blocks, earning nearly every major award and accolade.

COVID-19 then cut short Scott and Carl Junction’s quest for the school’s first state title. The Lady Bulldogs were a perfect 28-0 entering the Class 4 Final Four.

But after a 12-month rollercoaster ride, Scott is excited about the path God has her on and the future of her career as a student-athlete.

“Making this decision has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” said Scott. “I’ve had many sleepless night throughout this process, but I’m more than relieved to finally be at peace with my decision. The work will only get harder from here, but I’m thrilled to finally get back on the court — this time in Phoenix, Arizona.”