"Lady Cougars Land Transfer from Wright State"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

   The Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's basketball team has added another player to its roster for the 2002-2003 season with the addition of Natalie Dunn.

   Dunn, a 5-foot-9 guard/forward from Cambridge, Ohio, is transferring to MVNC after playing for two seasons at Wright State University where she averaged 3.0 points per game in five games as a sophomore in 2001-2002. As a senior at Cambridge High School, Dunn was named to the All-Ohio Second Team after averaging 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. In addition, she was selected as the East Central Ohio League Player of the Year as she led the Bobcats to their first-ever ECOL title.

   Dunn, who was a four-time All-ECOL selection, finished her career as Cambridge High's all-time leading scorer with 1,296 points. The four-year starter also lettered in volleyball and track.

   "I am excited about the addition of Natalie to our team," said MVNC head coach Steve Gregory. "She is a very talented player with a colorful personality. She is very out-going, friendly, and competitive. She is a player that is packed with potential. My goal as her coach is to help her reach her full potential as a player, student, and Christian. MVNC will afford her that opportunity over the next two years."

   "Natalie has a lot of versatility to her game," Gregory added. "She played the point and shooting guard positions in high school and will be expected to compete for the starting job left by Angie Trainer's graduation. She has the size and ball-handling ability to play anywhere from the 1-4 positions. She also has the shooting prowess to make us a stronger perimeter shooting team, and she is a very good rebounder and defender."

   In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Dunn was very active in student council throughout her high school years and she served as the class president each year. She was selected as the homecoming queen and was active in Young Life.

   "There are many reasons why I chose to transfer to MVNC," said Dunn, who plans to major in Communication and Business Management. "I felt comfortable with the coaching staff and players. I really enjoyed the campus and the Christian atmosphere. I am excited about the season and am looking forward to leading the team back to the national tournament."

   MVNC finished the 2001-2002 season with an 8-18 overall record with a roster that featured just one senior and one junior starter after graduating the team's entire frontline the year before. In the two previous seasons, the Lady Cougars eclipsed the 20-win mark both times and won one National Christian College Athletic Association national title.