Top basketball recruit Natalya Hodge has close connections with Arizona State’s coaching staff, particularly with coaches she has worked with during high school. The four-star point guard already knows several coaches on the team. These existing relationships could play a significant role in her college decision.
Hodge will take eight official visits this fall to different schools across the country. College programs across the nation want to sign her after watching her dominate high school basketball. The Bearden High School star scored over 25.0 points per game last season, leading her team to success.
Arizona State Gains Edge Through Familiar Coaching Connections
Hodge recently spoke about Arizona State’s advantages in her recruitment process. She told Talia Goodman of On3 Rivals about her connection with the Arizona State program and explained her thoughts.
“They have new coaches too. One of the coaches came from Penn State and I have a lot of relationships with them,” she said about assistant coach Daniel Barber joining the program’s coaching transition.
The Tennessee star continued discussing her familiarity with the staff changes.
“I have a relationship with Coach [Stephanie] Norman from Louisville. She just moved there. I haven’t watched them at all because they’re new, so I’m letting God do the work with the schools I haven’t watched. They’ve been at events and every game since they started recruiting me, so they’re showing a lot of support.”
Coach Stephanie Norman recently joined Arizona State after leaving Louisville and brought her recruiting connections with her. This gives the Sun Devils a clear advantage over other schools trying to sign Hodge because Norman already built a relationship with her. Norman has known Hodge for years from working with her during the latter’s high school career.
Hodge put up big numbers during her high school season last year. She recorded 25.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.7 steals per game. Her strong play helped her team go 33-6 and make it to the state semifinals.
Natalya Hodge (@natalyahodge2) poured in 27 points to help @BHSLadyBulldogs top Cleveland 56-37. pic.twitter.com/51vWmomida
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) February 5, 2025
The 5-foot-7 guard is considered one of the best players in the 2026 class. After her great season, she won the 5-Star Preps Girls Player of the Year award. Eight different colleges, including Florida State, Arizona, Baylor, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, and Georgia Tech, will get official visits from her.
Hodge might pick her college by November 2025 once she finishes all her visits. Schools know they don’t have much time left to impress her. The relationships she already has with coaches might matter more than nice buildings or what they promise her about playing.