The pressures of changing social dynamics and personal battles can make self-discovery difficult in college, especially for student-athletes who struggle to find identity beyond their sport. At Florida A&M University, one athlete, Morrell Schramm, pivots from a career–halting ACL injury to a new passion behind the camera.
A fourth-year interdisciplinary studies student from Chattanooga, TN, Schramm dedicated his life to basketball with aspirations of playing professionally. Following his recruitment from Chattanooga State College in 2022 and earning a starting position at FAMU, his untimely injury forced him to pour fresh concrete and build on passions away from basketball. Guided and uplifted by faith, family and community, he embraced this challenging period and seized his free time by tapping into “visionary” opportunities.
In January 2023, Schramm took a visual communications class that sparked the creation of DimeVisionary, his photography and videography platform. While “Dime” nods to a perfect assist in basketball, “Visionary” reflects his forward-thinking approach of blending his old passion with a new one.
“Photography became my escape …Tapping into videography and sharing my journey online revealed other sides of myself outside of playing basketball, ultimately developing my character and changing my perspective,” Schramm said.
Schramm, now nicknamed “Dime,” regards his faith as a cornerstone throughout his journey, knowing that “God’s love is unconditional” and that “he will give you all the signs you need.”
His mother, Stephanie Schramm, also pours into him through unwavering support in his athletic and personal endeavors, including investing in his first camera.
“I want him to follow his heart and pursue what ignites his soul, while always staying true to what pleases God…This wasn’t the end of his story, just a chapter,” Stephanie Schramm said.
Morrell Schramm also confides in his longtime mentor, Kezmond Pugh, who encourages him to embrace change and have a “Plan B” to adapt to life like a chameleon. Pugh praises Schramm’s determination, recalling how, even after surgery, he wheeled him around so he could keep capturing photos, never letting setbacks stop his vision.
“He’s taken this second plan and the platform he’s created to give others a vision and influence a whole generation …Life comes with adversity, but you must face it with joy since tomorrow is a new day,” Pugh said.
Sitting out the 2024 season gave Schramm space to thrive off the court, redefining success as personal growth and contentment. With graduation approaching, he admits to feeling like he’s “in a waiting room” but intends to act on the opportunities blossoming in front of him while allowing his faith to lead the way.
Schramm’s story is a testament that resilience, reinvention and discovering your identity beyond the game remain the real win, a truth reflected in his favorite verse: “All things work together for the good of those who love God.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Follow @dimevisionary on Instagram or visit www.dimevisionary.com to see what “Dime” has captured.