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Basketball players

Mizzou Lands Top Recruit Natalya Hodge, Kellie Harper's Highest Ranked Commitment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Four-star point guard Natalya Hodge has committed to Missouri's 2026-27 women's basketball team, marking a significant milestone for new head coach Kellie Harper and the Tigers. Hodge, who attends Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, has impressed with her all-around skills, averaging 25.7 points per game with 3.9 steals in her 2024-25 high school season. As one of the highest-ranked recruits in the class of 2026, Hodge joins a talented group of prospects, including Jada Maples, Khloe Ford, Cecilie Brandimore, and Ellie Muller, who have all committed to the Tigers. With her impressive resume, including being named the 5-Star Preps Girls Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season and earning Tennessee Sports Writers Association AAAA All-State team honors all three years of high school, Hodge is set to make a significant impact on the Mizzou court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Natalya Hodge, a four-star point guard from Bearden High School in Tennessee, has committed to Missouri's 2026-27 women's basketball team.
  • Hodge was the 5-Star Preps Girls Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season and has earned Tennessee Sports Writers Association AAAA All-State team honors all three years of high school.
  • She joins a talented group of prospects, including Jada Maples, Khloe Ford, Cecilie Brandimore, and Ellie Muller, who have all committed to the Tigers under new head coach Kellie Harper.
  • Hodge has surpassed 2,000 points in her high school career and was voted the 2025 Knox News PrepXtra girls basketball player of the year.
  • The Tigers will premiere their talents for the 2025-26 season in an exhibition against Maryville at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Mizzou Arena.

Statistics:

  • Hodge averaged 25.7 points per game with 3.9 steals in her 2024-25 high school season.
  • She has surpassed 2,000 points in her high school career.
  • 100% of Hodge's high school games have seen her earn Tennessee Sports Writers Association AAAA All-State team honors.
  • 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 marks the Tigers' exhibition against Maryville at Mizzou Arena.

Sources:

  • Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]
  • Copy edited by Alana Sheba and Emma Harper | [email protected]
  • Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]

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