Wright Place, Right Time
2/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 13, 2003
NACOGDOCHES - Nathesia Wright, a native of Arlington, Texas, is a guard/forward for the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team. Wright is one of three seniors for the 2002-03 Ladyjacks entering their final season with the team. Wright is one of the school's most prolific scorers and none of that has changed in her final season. She is currently tied for 18th all-time at SFA with 1,132 career points (Vanessa Anderson). Wright is among the team leaders again this season averaging 10 points per game. But Wright's time at SFA hasn't always been in the spotlight as the "go-to" player.
Wright came from Bowie High School where she was a two-time region MVP to Nacogdoches where she assumed more the role of cheerleader.
"I wasn't ready for the role of a cheerleader," said Wright. "But I quickly learned. It was an emotional time for me because I was so used to playing and not being able to was hard adjustment to make. I decided to talk to coach (Royce) Chadwick about it and he let me start the first Southland Conference game."
Wright remained in the starting lineup and took advantage of her new-found opportunity. Wright was named the Southland Conference's Freshman of the Year following the season, helping the Ladyjacks advance to their 13th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and a 73-72 victory over Xavier in the first round.
Looking back on her previous three seasons, Wright considers her freshman and sophomore seasons to be her best. Wright junior season could be seen as more of a transition. Wright was forced to overcome injuries and had to learn the system of first-year head coach Lee Ann Riley. "It was really hard for me because I did not get into shape until the middle of the season which put me behind from the rest of the team," said Wright. "Coach Riley is a really good coach because she knows how to approach us about certain issues or if we are not playing up to par. She has also helped build up our self-confidence."
Wright also had the opportunity to play against the United States Olympic team as a freshman. She says that was a great experience.
"That was the best experience of my life," says Wright. "We gave them a run for their money when the score was 2-0."
Wright would like to see her playing career continue after her days in the purple and white uniform are over.
"I want to go to the next level and I will do whatever it takes to get there," said Wright. "I would like to play somewhere oversees for a little while and then eventually come back to the United States and play in the WNBA."
