Bearden senior Natalya Hodge has officially committed to play basketball at the University of Missouri, marking her career based on hard work, family support, and a love for the game.
For Hodge, basketball has always been centered around family.
“My mom, my dad, and my family have had the biggest influence on my success,” she said. “They’ve always kept me going whether it’s being in the gym with me or pushing me when I feel down or tired.
“My coaches too, Coach [Justin] Underwood and [assistant] coach [Josh] Suttles, have held me to a high standard and are constantly pushing me to be the best player I can be.”
Coach Underwood said he knew early on that Hodge had the potential to play at the next level.
“I think it started with her tryout,” Coach Underwood said. “She caught my eye as a freshman just by how hard she played and the pace she practiced with, and I thought, ‘Okay, this kid could be really special.’”
As a point guard, Hodge has been recognized for her resilience on the court.
“She truly loves the game,” Coach Underwood said. “She thrives when people doubt her and uses that as motivation to be the best version of herself.”
Senior post Theola Mills and Coach Underwood both agree that Hodge’s leadership and personality have been just as impactful off the court as her skills on it.
“She’s a really good player and gets along with everyone,” Mills said.
Added Coach Underwood: “She’s always been a kid that has led by example, but she’s become more vocal. She’s learned how to encourage her teammates and also push them to be better versions of themselves.”
That leadership shows up even in the heat of competition. Mills laughed while recalling one of her favorite moments.
“It was during the Greenville game,” she said. “I went for the ball and Nayalya literally pushed me on the floor to get the ball, but we got the ball, so it worked out.”
When it came to choosing a college, Missouri stood out from the rest.
“It just felt like home,” Hodge said. “I have a big relationship with every single one of the coaches, especially [Missouri] Coach Kellie Harper, who I’ve gotten to know and have been able to trust handling business with.”
Hodge considered programs like Baylor and Arizona, but the distance and the personal connections at Missouri made her decision clear.
She’s now looking forward to competing on college basketball’s biggest stage.
“I’m so excited for the environment and the big games, playing teams like South Carolina and LSU,” she said. “It’s a huge platform, and I’m grateful to have the chance to grow my name nationally and represent Knoxville.”