Rock Island Today

Mikayla Fallon's earliest memory of basketball was being too young to play on a team, but watching her cousins play instead.

She didn't take it well.

“One day, I was so upset because I couldn't play and be on a team yet, so after the game, my mom took me to the store and bought me my first hoop and a glow-in-the-dark net so I was able to play at home

Mikayla Fallon | Augustana

whenever I wanted,” Fallon told Rock Island Today.

Years later, the East Moline native is preparing to wrap up her college career as she enters her senior season at Augustana College.

Last season, her first as a Viking, Fallon, a 5-foot-8 guard, was second on the team, with an average of eight points a game, according to athletics.augustana.edu. She led the team in 3-point shooting percentage (.389) and was tied for third in rebounding average, with 4.3 per game. She appeared in 21 games with 10 starts.

“I think it went well, but not what I expected,” she said. “I had a few setbacks with getting hurt and having to sit out.”

Fallon's journey to Augustana took some twists and turns.

After a stellar career at United Township High School, which included Second-Team All-State honors, Fallon went to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, according to the media guide on athletics.augustana.edu. She had a strong sophomore season for the Eagles in 2013-14, averaging 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game and hitting a team-high 55 3-pointers. She was a big reason why KCC went 25-7 that season.

She eventually made her way to Augustana, but hadn't planned on playing there, instead looking to focus on school. However, after taking a few months off and then going back to college, she realized she couldn't give up the sport.

“And (Vikings Head Coach Mark Beinborn) always kept in touch, even after I decided not to attend after high school and was always so nice and always told me if it doesn't work out, where to give him a call,” she said. “So I took him up on that offer, and everything came together at the right time and worked out.”

One area Fallon believes she has improved since lighting up the court in her high-school days is with her jump shot and range. That evolution of her game has made her a threat anywhere on the floor and expanded her offensive repertoire, she said.

That aspect could help her achieve what she said she wants to accomplish this season – for the team to have a winning record, make the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament and win the league.

As for her basketball future after this season, Fallon said she may try to play overseas.

“After seeing so many old teammates from my previous schools and AAU teams make it, I figure I have nothing to lose with at least trying,” she said.