Natalie Ramsey (she/her), 12, is one of the leading scorers on the Liberty girls’ basketball team. Earlier this year, Ramsey committed to the University of South Dakota to play college basketball.
“I decided to commit to South Dakota because there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about it. The coaches were super supportive, and seem to care about you not just as players but as people too. And the whole community just felt like one big family,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey spent most of her summer playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Missouri Phenom Iowa. She attended different camps and competitions with the team to showcase her abilities.
“I got recruited from playing AAU basketball in the summer with my club team. My coaches did a really great job of promoting me and the team to college recruiters,” Ramsey said. “One of the recruiters had contacted me, where I went on a visit and then verbally committed. Then in the fall I went on an official visit and then signed with them on signing day.”
Ramsey has been dressing varsity since her freshman year. She has always been up for a challenge and ready to work hard, pushing the pace for others. She hopes that she can bring this into the next years of her college career.
“I’m really excited for the next level of basketball. There’s going to be some really great competition and just being able to play at the college level is such a huge accomplishment in general. The fact that I’m able to continue to grow in my skills and abilities is great,” Ramsey said.
Jamie Brandt (she/her), Liberty girls’ basketball head coach, explains that Ramsey has been a great player from the second she walked on the court.
“Natalie is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached, “Brandt said. “She is such a great senior leader and role model on the team. She goes game speed in every drill, and that is why she is so special. She is a huge offensive threat from anywhere on the court and dynamic with her athleticism on defense,.”
One of the biggest aspects of Ramsey is her family. She has been heavily supported by her parents and grandparents.
“I definitely think my family helped me get to where I am the most. My mom and family in general are always there for me,” Ramsey said. “And then my grandpa was a high school basketball coach and he’s given me some lessons over the years that have driven me to be a better athlete.”
Through basketball, Ramsey’s personality shines. Her coaches and teammates alike see her as someone who can handle the pressure.
“Natalie is mentally tough.” Brandt said. “Every game, teams throw different game plans and players her way. She continues to just play through it and control what she can control on the court. I remember Natalie dropped 40 points in the game to go to state last year, but just thanked her teammates and stayed humble the whole time.”
Going from high school to college can be stressful. Jumping to the next level can be intimidating, but Ramsey feels ready.
“Whatever my role is for the team, I’ll try to not be afraid to step into that,” Ramsey said. I’m still working on getting comfortable with not being afraid to make mistakes and just learning by each play. Whether it’s good or bad, I can always bounce back.”
Taking this next step was a big decision for Ramsey. She was influenced mostly by her parents, because family plays a big role in her life.
“Everyone in my family has played a college sport; my dad, mom, my brother, and my sister. So sports have definitely kind of always been a part of something that we’ve done as a family. I think just getting to be able to continue to play and take after my parents and siblings is really special to me,” Ramsey said.
The Liberty girls’ basketball team competes in their first regional game on Feb. 18, in hopes of making it to state again this year.
