Each and every time Phenom Hoops gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Natalie Roper
Class: 2023
Committed to: Guilford
What She Said:
Phenom: How has everything been going so far this season for you and your team in your eyes'
Roper: I feel like we are off to a really strong start, despite a few injuries. We have some fresh talent that Coach Nelson is developing, and I am excited to see what we can do this year but I think that we have a really good shot at making it all the way to the playoffs. The unique thing about our team is that we really have great chemistry on and off the court.
Phenom: What is your excitement about your commitment to Guilford' What all went into your decision and what made them the place for you in the end'
Roper: I am excited to be able to continue to play the sport I love in college. This has been a dream of mine for years and I appreciate the opportunity Coach Mathews is giving me. Although I received other offers, Coach Mathews consistently invested time and energy into building a relationship with me over the last two years. She is energetic and positive. I talked to several of her players who all had great things to say about her coaching style and the program she is building at Guilford. That is something I wanted to be apart of. The schools is beautiful, people who work there have been very welcoming, and it is not far away from home. Guilford College checks all the boxes for me.
Phenom: What do you think you will be able to bring with your game to the program'
Roper: I will be able to bring positive energy to the team on and off the court. I believe that I will be a strong force in the paint on both ends. Defense is one of my strengths as a player. I will do everything I can to protect the rim. Over the summer, I worked on my quickness and footwork, which has really helped me this year and will continue to help me when I go to Guilford in the fall. I am bringing all the lessons I’ve learned from the great coaches I’ve been fortunate to have over the years. They not only taught me the fundamentals of the game but also what it means to have a team-first mentality. It started with Coach Spring at Providence Day. He had “it’s not about me” printed on our shirts and that sticks with me today. My goal every time I get into a game is to be a connector and set my teammates up for success. I try and do that by setting solid screens, being in position to make good passes, and rebounding the ball. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take a shot when I’ve got it. And I love the feeling of making a solid block. But I know my role is to make opportunities for our shooters on offense and to cover the paint on defense. I have a lot more to learn from Coach Nelson this season. She is a phenomenal coach. And I’m looking forward to developing my game even further under the guidance of Coach Mathews. I’m a work in progress.