"Rising Phoenix: A Fierce Competitor with Dynamic Playmaking and Lockdown Defense"

Nathalia Richardson

@nrichardson2029 ⁹

IG: nathaliarichardson2029

5’7, 122 lbs, Class of 2029

Montini Catholic, IL

Nathalia is a fierce competitor who leaves her mark on every possession. She brings relentless energy to the floor, combining speed, defensive instincts, and unselfish playmaking to elevate everyone around her. With her length and athleticism, she disrupts offenses while also being able to control the tempo and set up her teammates with dazzling passing. She thrives in the open floor, pushes the pace with confidence, and can score at all three levels, flashing a quick first step, a smooth outside shot, and a growing middy. Coaches and teammates alike can expect a player who gives maximum effort, embraces constructive criticism, and encourages others with her unselfish mindset.

During her 8th-grade season at Westminster Christian School, she averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, showing her ability to both score and create opportunities. The numbers don't lie, but validate just how dominant she can be. The biggest improvement in her development has been scoring on her own without relying on screens or fast breaks. Now, she’s sharpening her midrange shot and handles, ensuring she can attack defenders in multiple ways. Her AAU goals of making the top team and becoming a regular starter were met, highlighting her growth and determination. Off the floor, she finds motivation in learning from mistakes, keeping her head high, and continuing to grow through every challenge.

Nathalia’s impact doesn’t stop at the stat sheet. She shines brightest in high-pressure moments, feeding off the crowd’s energy when the game is close and the stakes are high. That fire carried her into national recognition, landing her on Prep Girls Hoops Illinois’ Class of 2029 Watchlist and earning praise at the PGH Illinois Freshman Showcase, where evaluators noted her growth, defensive toughness, and hard-hat mentality. She’s also secured her first Division II offer from Lewis University as just a 2029 prospect—proof of how much potential she carries.

Her competitive drive has also been tested and rewarded at elite stages. Nathalia has earned invitations to prestigious events such as the John Lucas Top 160, Jason Keys Best of the Best, Southeast Top 100, Rising Blue Star, Blue Star All-American, Brandon Clay All-American, Phenom All-American, and CP3 Middle School Combine and Rising Stars. Most recently, she was selected to the 2025 John Lucas Top 160 Girls Elite Invitational, an exclusive showcase reserved for the nation’s best young players. On top of that, she plays up for Team M-XIV, ranked among the Prep Girls Hoops 14U Top 25 Power Scores.

The most impactful moment of the past season came when her team finished 3rd in their tournament, a result that carried even more weight because half of the roster didn’t regularly play basketball. She was filled with pride seeing how everyone grew together, worked hard, and gave their best for one another. That experience reflected the kind of player she is, someone who will always put in maximum effort, accept constructive criticism, and channel it into growth. Coaches can count on her to be encouraging, unselfish, and the type of teammate who lifts others while pushing herself to constantly improve.

The best coaching advice she’s ever received is, “I don’t care if you miss all your shots, just keep trying,” and has stuck with her and continues to push her past fear of mistakes, fueling her drive to get better every day. When she’s not competing, Nathalia enjoys spending time with friends, reading, cooking, and watching TV shows, bringing balance to her life off the court.

With her length, defensive instincts, and high motor, Nathalia has all the tools to impact a college program. Her ability to push the pace, create plays for others, and score in different ways makes her a versatile guard who can fit into multiple systems. Her relentless effort and leadership set her apart as the type of player who raises the energy of an entire team.

Moving forward, expect Nathalia to keep expanding her offensive arsenal while maintaining her identity as a defensive stopper and unselfish playmaker. With continued growth in her midrange game and ball-handling, she has the potential to be a complete two-way guard at the next level. Her offer from Lewis University at such a young age is only the beginning; her ceiling is as high as her work ethic will take her. Keep a close eye on this rising phoenix, a budding star who will continue to rise. Stay tuned.