Posts by Natalie Heavren

Natalie Heavren has been a contributor to The IX Basketball since February 2019 and currently writes about the Atlantic 10 conference, the WNBA and the WBL.

UMass freshman guard Yahmani McKayle corrals the ball with her right fingertips with her legs in a wide stance as a defender tries to get a steal. The defender has her arms outstretched and legs in a lunge position.

How Yahmani McKayle has elevated UMass in Rookie of the Year season

March 6, 2025

McKayle: ‘I just fit perfectly here’

Fordham graduate student forward Irene Murua’s eyes focus on the hoop as she prepares to shoot a free throw.

Irene Murua is making a measurable impact in her sole season at Fordham

March 5, 2025

Bridgette Mitchell: ‘All of the things that she’s been able to do on the court has made us better’

Richmond players on the bench yell and clap their hands in celebration.

What to watch for in the 2025 Atlantic 10 Tournament

March 5, 2025

Aaron Roussell: ‘Everybody’s got the same dream right now’

George Mason forward Nalani Kaysia stretches out both arms to high-five her teammates and coaches as her name is announced during player intros.

How George Mason’s Nalani Kaysia has found success in basketball, volleyball, motherhood and the classroom

February 20, 2025

Kaysia: ‘I’ve lived about three different lives in my college career’

Left photo: St. Bonaventure freshman Zoe Shaw dribbles the ball up the court with her left hand. Right photo: St. Bonaventure freshman Caitlin Frost drives towards the basket with her left hand.

How St. Bonaventure freshmen Caitlin Frost and Zoe Shaw are making an early impact

January 22, 2025

While the results haven’t come on the scoreboard yet, the pair are helping lay the foundation for the Bonnies

Mary-Anna Asare dribbles the ball in her right hand while motioning with her left hand while looking down the court.

How Mary-Anna Asare’s growth is powering VCU this season

December 23, 2024

Adebukola Akomolafe: ‘Her voice has definitely been the glue to our team’

Richmond players sit and stand while looking at head coach Aaron Roussell who is leading the huddle with a marker in his hand. Roussell's coaching staff stand behind him, listening intently.

Where does Richmond stand heading into Atlantic 10 play?

December 23, 2024

‘It really was a gauntlet’

Richmond forward Anna Camden clenches her fist and screams in celebration as cheerleaders cheer behind her.

Anna Camden is doing what she can, when she can — and that’s plenty for Richmond

December 14, 2024

Aaron Roussell: ‘Richmond women’s basketball is infinitely better because Anna Camden came into our world’

Saint Louis guard Shun'teria Anumele looks to her left and smiles as fans and a teammate in the background hold up three fingers to signal a made 3-pointer.

How freshman guard Shun’teria Anumele is making an early impact at Saint Louis

November 29, 2024

Rebecca Tillett: ‘Shun has the potential to be a best player in her career’

Left: Sophie Phillips shoots a corner 3-pointer. Her hands are in the follow-through position with the ball already in the air. Right: Lilly Phillips drives to the basket for a right-handed layup. The ball is about to come off of her right palm.

When Rhode Island travels to UAlbany on Friday, the Phillips family will be ‘a house divided’

November 8, 2024

Bob Phillips: ‘It should be special’