Shared roots, goals: Stephens and Willis balance books, basketball at MCC
In a residence hall room on the Meridian Community College campus, two Lady Eagles guards balance textbooks and basketballs, studying for exams one minute and talking about game strategies next.
For Ashlynn Stephens and Nataysia Willis, their journey to MCC has a common thread.
The roommates have known each other since middle school. They graduated from the same high school, sometimes as teammates, sometimes as rivals.
“We’ve known each other since we were young,” Stephens said. 
Stephens, 19, of Conehatta, is a freshman guard taking 19 credit hours while completing prerequisite courses for the nursing program. She plans to work in pediatrics. “I want to be a peds nurse,” she said. “I’m good with kids or babies.”
Willis, 20, of Standing Pine, is a sophomore guard majoring in early childhood education. She is taking 15 credit hours and completing clinical hours in her program. She hopes to see what opportunities she may have to continue playing basketball at a four-year school.
Both players have earned Dean’s List honors, and Willis has been invited to join the National Technical Honor Society.
Stephens’ decision to attend MCC came with a push from her teammate.
“I talked to Coach and said, ‘We need her really bad,’” Willis said. “She told her to come to tryouts, and she’s been on the team since. We’ve benefited a lot from it.”
The Lady Eagles recently defeated Coahoma Community College, adding another win to the season. The game was extra special because it was Native Appreciation Day, where the Choctaw heritage was celebrated including a traditional native dance during halftime.
“I think it’s nice for them to recognize where we’re from and letting y’all know where we’re from as well,” Willis said. “That’s good for our teammates, too. That shows they have support from where we’re from.”
Off the court, both players say MCC has given them more than basketball. And what do they like best about the College?
“The environment,” Stephens said.
“Everyone is welcoming here,” Willis added. “I haven’t met anyone rude or mean. Student Activities offers a lot.”
Willis will graduate this spring. Stephens will return next season, continuing the path they started years ago.
For more information, visit mcceagles.com.