ARLINGTON, Texas – Natasha Barnes, a crafty 5-9 guard, will join the UT Arlington women's basketball program for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Chicago, Ill. native makes her way to Arlington after stops at Missouri State and most recently Pearl River Community College.
"Natasha's shooting ability is a crucial missing piece that we needed to continue building the foundation for a championship," said head coach
Shereka Wright. "Her competitive spirit drives her to excel at the highest level. We are excited to welcome her to Arlington."
During the 2024-25 season at Pearl River, Barnes appeared in 27 games, starting in three, for the Wildcats where she averaged 8.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 13.0 minutes per contest which garnered her Second Team All-MACCC honors. For the season, Barnes went 72-of-203 (.355) from the floor, 47-of-141 (.333) from three-point range and 28-of-36 (.778) from the free throw line while collecting 55 total rebounds, dishing out 40 assists, collecting 32 steals and three blocks with 219 total points. Barnes put up a season-high 21 points and eight rebounds at Holmes Community College (2/17) and had 11 games where she posted double digit scoring efforts.
Prior to her time at Pearl River, Barnes suited up one season for the Bears of Missouri State during the 2023-24 campaign. During her freshman tour, Barnes appeared in 14 games and posted 12 total points, four rebounds, four steals and five assists on the season. Barnes posted a Division I career-high five points against Evansville (1/19) while pulling down two rebounds and collecting three steals. At Bradley (1/11), Barnes dished out a DI career-high three assists. Barnes made her collegiate debut on the road at Saint Louis (11/15).
A 2023 graduate of Kenwood Academy (Ill.), Barnes was a three-year starter and averaged 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a senior, helping lead the Broncos to a 30-5 record. Barnes was named First Team All-City, Second Team IBCA All-State and AP All-State Honorable Mention in her senior campaign. Averaged 24 points, five rebounds and two assists per game in her sophomore season. Was named to the Oak Lawn Shootout All-Tournament Team and was a 4A All-State Honorable Mention after posting 10 points, three rebounds and three assists per game for the Broncos as a freshman. Barnes played AAU ball with the Lady Meanstreets based in Chicago.
The exercise and movement science major is the daughter of TaRon Barnes and Lekesha Triplett, and the stepdaughter of Lester Triplett and has one sister, Makayla. Barnes' mother played college basketball at the University of Illinois – Chicago and was a First Team All-Horizon League and Horizon League All-Defensive Team selection during her career.
Atchison joins an exciting group of newcomers on next year's team including: Jadyn Atchison (Old Dominion), Mila Reynolds (Purdue), Amiyah Reynolds (Purdue) and Kira Reynolds (South Bend Washington High School).
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