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Get to Know North Carolina Central University Women’s Basketball Commit, Natalie Jasper
Name: Natalie Jasper Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania High School: The Ellis School. “Going to Ellis definitely gave me a leg up academically. I felt so prepared everywhere I went, including two rigorous universities previously. Honestly, I think that’s because being in an all girls environment, led by women, literally leaves no space for self-doubt on the basis of gender—something that holds back a lot of young women and girls from being confident in the professional world. Especially considering I went to Ellis from Pre-K to 12th grade, I feel really lucky to have had my formative years in such an uplifting environment.”
Sport: Basketball Position: Guard High School Accolades: Four-year starter, two-year captain, WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year, two-time WPIAL Class AA first-team all-section, all-time leading scorer at The Ellis School with 1,214 career points, team advanced to state quarterfinals as a junior before the season ended due to COVID-19, Averaged 22.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.9 steals, and 2.8 assists per game as a senior, won the Calloman Underclassmen Award, served as co-president of the Black Student Union and the Student Diversity League, and was part of GirlGov that prepares young women in Allegheny Country for careers in government and politics. Travel Basketball Experience: Jasper played travel basketball with the Western PA Bruins organization. “The Bruins took me from a ‘good’ to a great player. Prior to that, I was on an AAU team that didn’t travel as much, so I was used to performing well and played within my comfort zone. But when I joined the Bruins, I was exposed to a new level of competition that was difficult to adjust to, but in the long run, definitely made me better. I also had really amazing coaches that pushed me to be better everyday, many of whom I still talk to today.” Previous Program: Georgetown University
Alma Mater: Boston University. Boston University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The institution is home to more than 37,300 students and NCAA Division I. The Terriers compete in the Patriot League in women’s basketball. Commitment: North Carolina Central (NC Central) Women’s Basketball. NC Central is a public historically black university in Durham, North Carolina, The institution competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The university is home to around 8,600 students and competes as the Eagles in athletics. Why She Chose NC Central: “For my last year of college basketball, I was really looking for a place where I’d have a great relationship with my coaches above all else, and I’m really excited to get an opportunity for that at NCCU. The head coach knows my basketball trainer here in Pittsburgh and one of the assistants was the coach of my favorite coach I’ve ever had, so I feel really confident I made the right choice. NCCU being a historically black university was also a cherry on top.” Degree Completed and Future Plans: Jasper earned a Bachelor of Arts in Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies and plans to earn a certificate in foreign service training a NC Central. She hopes to either join the Peace Corps or the United Nations after finishing her education and college basketball career and eventually enter the world of politics. College Accolades: Has competed in four collegiate season, two at Georgetown University and two at Boston University, and has played in 34 career games
What Her Home of Pittsburgh Means to Her: “It’ll always be my home. It has its own charm and is home to a community that I’ll always be grateful for.” Family Ties in Collegiate Athletics: Her Mother Steffanie (Smith) is a member of the Georgetown University Athletics Hall of Fame, a six-time All-American, and a six Big East individual champion, Her father Michael was also a part of a 3,200-meter relay team that won an NCAA title. Advice For Young Athletes: “If there’s any prospective athletes reading this who want to play in college, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and go somewhere you’re WANTED. As much as it’s about the sports aspect, you also have to live wherever you commit. Take that into account when you’re making your decision.”
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