Natalie Tucker arrived at Ithaca College with a reputation of All-State Honorable Mention preceding her from Saugerties High and she has lived up to it in her sophomore season with the program. 

Finding her perfect fit in Ithaca began with the Liberty League program. “The coaches were great and I was able to spend some time with the players who are now my teammates and they were great,” Tucker said. 

As a three-sport athlete and health science major, balancing academics and sports was key and she felt Ithaca “would be a good fit for me.”

Her decision aged well as she came off the bench in 10 games and Ithaca surged to a 19-8 season and a 17-1 Liberty League record. Though they fell short to Vassar for the NCAA Division III tournament, the experience prepared Tucker and the team for future games. 

Natalie Tucker had to quickly step in the leadership role with 6 seniors graduating. She has started 8 of the 9 games played this season with a 8.6 PPG, shooting 49.2 percent from the field, and a 10 of 20 three-point range. 

Sharing guarding duties with senior Zorida Icabalceta, she also has 2.4 assists and 12 steals per game with a 16 point career high against Skidmore. 

“As a freshman, it was definitely a learning experience,” Tucker told the Daily Freeman. “I just kept working hard in practice and games. I think the work I did my freshman year carried over.” 

What's next for Natalie Tucker? 

“At Saugerties, I learned how to be a leader in my later years,” she said, a skill now useful on the college level. Tucker played varsity basketball as an eight grader along with soccer and softball.

As the 2nd pick in the preseason Liberty League, the 5’3 guard is aiming for a championship. “We’re just trying to take it one game at a time.” 

Given her breakout performances, Tucker could be on the way to a championship soon. 

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu