MAYFIELD, Ky. - Mid-Continent University women's basketball coach Ryan Smith is pleased to announce he has signed his first player for the 2012-13 season. Smith and the Cougars have landed Natalie Taylor of Smyrna, Tenn., a player who was recruited by two other TranSouth schools.Taylor, a 5'6" point guard, played her high school basketball in the middle Tennessee area as a member of the Nashville Central Christian Warriors where she averaged 13 points and five assists per game. She has been named an all-American in each of her first three years of High School as well.

When asked why she chose Mid-Continent, Taylor cited several reasons. "I love the coaching staff," she said. "They were very welcoming, they are serious about their basketball, and they care a lot about their team. The girls on the team are very nice as well, and they know how to play the game. Being a strong follower of Christ, I love that it is a Christian school, and I believe MCU is where God wants me to be, so it is where I want to be. I have been so blessed to find such a great program, and I can't wait to put on that Cougar uniform!"

Coach Smith is thrilled to have Taylor joining the mix for the 2012-13 season. "We are thrilled to have Natalie as a part of the Lady Cougar basketball family," he remarked. "She comes from a tremendous family that has made a commitment to put God first. Natalie is a smart point guard and will help stretch defenses with her shooting ability. Natalie is the kind of player that every coach wants on her team and we are excited to have her."