Posts by Natalie Heavren

Natalie Heavren has been a contributor to The Next since February 2019 and currently writes about the Atlantic 10 conference, the WNBA and the WBL.

George Mason guard Paula Suárez drives, dribbling the ball with her left hand as the defender tries to block her path from the right side.

Even in defeat, George Mason gives fans a ‘champion to cheer for’ in NCAA Tournament

March 24, 2025

The Patriots’ historic season ends in the first round

A George Mason assistant draws up a play while her head coach sits and talks to the players who are in a semicircle in front of her.

Depth, togetherness will fuel George Mason in first NCAA Tournament

March 22, 2025

Vanessa Blair-Lewis: ‘We all have a belief in our team well past the first starting five’

Richmond junior forward Maggie Doogan dribbles the ball down the lane with her left hand as she heads towards the basket. She looks to go around the defender.

Richmond seeks first NCAA Tournament win behind experience and depth

March 21, 2025

The blueprint has come to life for Aaron Roussell’s team

George Mason players clap their hands and cheer while standing in a circle before the game.

What to watch for from Atlantic 10 teams in the 2025 postseason

March 20, 2025

A-10 teams are heading to the NCAA Tournament, WBIT and WNIT

George Mason poses with the the Atlantic 10 championship trophy, the team’s oversized ticket to March Madness, smaller handheld tickets, All-Championship team trophies and and a championship logo sign. The team is wearing its championship hats and shirts or holding them up.

How George Mason won its first Atlantic 10 title to advance to first NCAA Tournament

March 10, 2025

The Patriots found success by ‘being faithful,’ believing big and having fun

Saint Joseph's players huddle around their head coach during a timeout. Players are sitting in front of her and standing behind her.

Hawks beat the buzzer: Upset shakes up Atlantic 10 Tournament

March 9, 2025

Saint Joseph’s, George Mason advance to final

UMass freshman guard Yahmani McKayle corrals the ball with her right fingertips with her legs in a wide stance as a defender tries to get a steal. The defender has her arms outstretched and legs in a lunge position.

How Yahmani McKayle has elevated UMass in Rookie of the Year season

March 6, 2025

McKayle: ‘I just fit perfectly here’

Fordham graduate student forward Irene Murua’s eyes focus on the hoop as she prepares to shoot a free throw.

Irene Murua is making a measurable impact in her sole season at Fordham

March 5, 2025

Bridgette Mitchell: ‘All of the things that she’s been able to do on the court has made us better’

Richmond players on the bench yell and clap their hands in celebration.

What to watch for in the 2025 Atlantic 10 Tournament

March 5, 2025

Aaron Roussell: ‘Everybody’s got the same dream right now’

George Mason forward Nalani Kaysia stretches out both arms to high-five her teammates and coaches as her name is announced during player intros.

How George Mason’s Nalani Kaysia has found success in basketball, volleyball, motherhood and the classroom

February 20, 2025

Kaysia: ‘I’ve lived about three different lives in my college career’