Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come.
Ja'la Bannerman
Basketball
Class: Junior
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Major: Applied Liberal Studies
Ja'la Bannerman is a transfer guard for the Morgan State Lady Bears and a true Baltimore native with a deep passion for basketball and her community. Some might call her a hometown hero, as she recently joined a national treasure family, having grown up watching and attending games before her college career. After starting at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, she transferred to Morgan, since joining the program she has made an impact on the court, setting a new pace for herself and the team.
An applied liberal arts major that aspires to work with children and mentor youth post-graduation. Jal'a has been none other than a key contributor for the Lady Bears, averaging 8.4 points per game while continuously refining her skill set. Her relentless energy and competitive mindset have injected a fresh shift into the team. Bannerman has delivered numerous standout performances since joining the Morgan. Her season-high performance against Shepherd University, where she tallied 21 points and dished out 3 assists, exemplifies her scoring ability and playmaking skills. Furthermore, Ja'la's sharpshooting is evident in her conference ranking; she currently sits 10th overall in 3-point field goal percentage within the MEAC, highlighting her value as a reliable outside threat.
Off the court, Ja'la is just as dedicated—whether mentoring young athletes or giving back to the neighborhoods that shaped her. As the only girl among her triplet siblings, both of whom attend UMES, she brings a unique sense of resilience and edge that drives her success.
Student Life
- What is your major, and why did you choose it? I'm an applied liberal arts major because I want to work in child care. I'm taking classes that will help me get my degree toward that instead of having to be in elementary education.
- You transferred from UMES to Morgan at the beginning of this year—what drew you to Morgan? I wanted to come to Morgan straight out of high school, but it didn't happen. I ended up going to Eastern Shore. When I entered the portal, my coach told me that Morgan wanted to talk to me, and I was like, cool, I'm down. I knew Morgan was the one, so I committed.
- Beyond basketball, what are some things you're looking forward to doing at Morgan? Not much. I'm a social person, but I'm not big on joining any groups or anything on campus.
- Now that you've witnessed both UMES and Morgan State homecoming, who does it better? Morgan for sure.
Sports
- How was your first day meeting the entire team and practicing with them for the first time? Meeting them all for the first time was cool because they greeted me with open arms. When I came on my visit, I spent a lot of time with them, and then I came back the next day to spend even more time. It's been cool ever since.
- With the MEAC tournament approaching, how are you and the team preparing? We're just trying to stay together, stay focused, and put in the work that needs to be done.
- Is there a reason you wear the number 4? Not really. I just fell in love with the number '4', and from there, everything of mine has to have a '4' in it.
- Who is the funniest on the team? Michaela [Bogans] and Jael [Butler]
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How was it growing up in Baltimore, going to St. Frances, and now coming back home to play at Morgan? For one, growing up in Baltimore was pretty cool. My mom made sure she kept us away from all the negative things going on in the city. I went from city to county, so it was pretty cool for me. I had a blast at St. Frances. It kinda prepared me for the real world. Now, coming back to Morgan, it feels good to play at the college where I grew up.
How much does community mean to you? I've been involved in many youth basketball camps. Community means a lot to me because I know a lot of people look up to me. I'm a big role model in a lot of people's eyes, so to live up to that, I have to be there for the community. I have to be willing to do things within the community and with the kids because that sets the tone for who you are and your character.
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What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to play basketball at this level? It's all about the mental game. You gotta' be mentally prepared, put in the work, and always know you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.
Miscellaneous
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When you're not at practice, what could someone find you doing? Chilling in the house. I stay on the phone with my mom a lot, so 9 times out of 10, I'm on the phone with her or just in the gym.
- What is your favorite childhood memory? Just being around my older sister. We spent all our time together. I would ask my mom if I could go hang out with my sister and her friends, and she would say no because I was too young. But me and my sister are really close.
Beneath the Surface full list here
🎙️ Rebekah Ramsey, MSU Athletics Communications intern
🎥 Jake Bandoh, MSU Athletics Lead Production intern
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
