James set for success at Hardin-Simmons University

It’s almost time for Snyder senior Natalee James to begin the next chapter of her basketball career.
The four-year varsity starter in multiple sports is set to begin her collegiate basketball career at Hardin-Simmons University, which she called her second home.
“It’s just another home for me,” she said. “They were constantly trying to pursue me and check up on me. They invited me on several visits and I had lunch with the team. When you know, you know. Every time I step on campus there, it’s just so comfortable for me. It’s like being at home.”
At Snyder High School, James put together an accolade-filled career during her four years as a starter for the Lady Tigers.
James was a four-time, all-district player in basketball and volleyball, and was named to all-state teams in both sports.
She was also named the district Offensive Player of the Year in softball her junior year and helped the Snyder volleyball program to its first district title in 20 years this past season, earning all-state accolades along the way.
Starting on varsity as a freshman was daunting for James, according to girls head basketball coach T’Leah Eicke.
But as she settled in and learned how to control the game as a point guard at the high school level, Eicke said her confidence grew.
“As a freshman, I had to throw her to the wolves,” she said. “My first impression was she had a lot of talent, but you could tell she was coachable. You want to find athletes like that. She was the point guard that the team needed and I think having to step into that role as a freshman really got her going. Whether you’re afraid or not, you have to take that jump and she did. ”
Over the next few years, James developed into one of the better girls’ basketball players in 4A, earning four all-district awards and two all-state accolades.
“She had talent, but she was also coachable,” Eicke said.
“She would absorb and want to learn everything that you told her. Natalee took what you said to heart. If you told her something, it meant something to her and she does what is asked of her, even if she thinks that she can’t.”
James said a big part of her development was gaining confidence her freshman and sophomore seasons.
“I think I am a lot more calm on the court now,” James said. “Going into my junior and senior year, I found a calmness when I am on the court. I think a lot of it was me being more comfortable and confident. It helps me handle the ball a lot better and keep my team calm. I can keep them calm if I’m calm myself.”
James will soon be off to Hardin-Simmons and while there will be another transition for her to make, Eicke believes she has the tools and talent to make the most of her collegiate career.
“She is that type of kid who will continue to want to be better,” she said. “Her mind isn’t elsewhere, she is committed to basketball. She has goals set and she wants to reach them. She achieved a lot here in high school and she wants a whole bunch more in college. Coach (Kendra) Hassell is a great coach and (Natalee) loves her just liked she loved me. I think getting to that next level and seeing where she needs to be to play with those college athletes, she is going to push herself. She is going to strive to be the best she can be.”