2023 Nadiya Hairston has been a standout on many occasions with Phenom Hoops and college coaches continue to take notice of what she provides on the court. She holds multiple offers already but she added yet another offer from Lees-McRae, as she spoke with Lady Phenom about all the latest, her thoughts on the program, and when she may be looking to decide.
Phenom Q&A:
Phenom: How has everything been going so far this season'
Hairston: Pretty good. We’ve been struggling to have our full squad because of injury and sickness but we are starting to get our chemistry back up as the season goes on. For me, I started off rough but the past few games there has been a drastic difference in the way I’ve been playing.
Phenom: How has your game improved over the last year'
Hairston: I’m more of a floor leader now. I get to my spots and only shoot the shots necessary at the time. Overall. I’ve gotten smarter.
Phenom: Thoughts on the latest offer' What is your excitement about that staff and program' How much of a relationship have you built with them'
Hairston: This was a big step for me in my recruitment. I loved the environment and the coaching staff, and even the players. I and the coach are pretty close, and we get along well. I met all the players, and they were great too.
Phenom: What other schools have been staying strong with you and recruiting you hard'
Hairston: Bridgewater, Guilford, and William Peace. (All of which have been offered)
Phenom: What are you looking for in a program when you ultimately decide'
Hairston: Mostly a program that is supportive of their players and pushes them to be the best they can be. Also, a coach that believes in the player’s ability. In gameplay, I would say a program that gets out and runs in transition.
Phenom: When might you be looking to ultimately decide'
Hairston: I was thinking the end of my season but I might go ahead and make my decision in mid-January.
What Was Said:
“She’s a tough, gritty, very well-rounded guard prospect with a high IQ and the ability to consistently create for herself and others. Hairston is quick and touches the paint at a high volume, where she’s able to finish or set up others with relative ease. She’s also a reliable shooting threat and overall creator with the ability to run the offense if necessary. Hairston is an excellent defender, forces a ton of turnovers, and pushes transition play with consistency. She doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses on the court. Coach Nazario on Hairston: “Nadiya is a great tone-setter and tough overall player. Her motor, physicality, and ability to make plays overwhelmed opponents throughout the day. Coachable and displayed a positive attitude.” Hairston was a definite standout at camp and should be a strong contributor for High Point Christian over these next few seasons.”
“Nadiya is extremely quick with the ball. When she gets out in transition, good things usually happen for her team. She started the game trying to get the ball into her post players and establish a paint presence. She made some crucial baskets down the stretch including must-have free throws and the game-winning pull-up from 15 feet. She was two rebounds away from a double-double, ended with 15 points and 8 rebounds.”