Natalia High School Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Grit, Growth, and Greatness
The 2025 season was nothing short of outstanding for the Natalia High School Girls Basketball team, led by Head Coach Steven Spangler. With a 22-11 record, a second consecutive playoff berth, and multiple tournament victories, the Lady Mustangs delivered one of their most memorable seasons in recent history. More than just the wins and milestones, though, this team stood out for its toughness, unity, and drive to compete, no matter the circumstances.
Coach Spangler, reflecting on the journey, called it “one of my best seasons as a head coach.” That statement says a lot about the heart, leadership, and evolution of a team that battled through adversity and came out stronger.
Leading the Charge: Key Contributors
At the center of Natalia’s success was Yahdi Lujan, a senior who wore many hats—point guard, scoring leader, defensive anchor, and emotional spark. Averaging 16 points per game, 3.2 assists, and a stellar 4.9 steals, Yahdi was the team’s motor. She ran the offense with precision, disrupted opponents with relentless full-court defense, and made everyone around her better.
Abby Fulton added balance with her scoring punch (10.6 ppg), rebounding strength (6 rpg), and gritty play. Her energy and refusal to give up helped the team mount several late-game comebacks. When the momentum shifted, Abby was often right in the middle of it.
Then there was Leyla Saenz, who blossomed into a two-way threat. She averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3 steals per game, and her growth on the defensive end turned her into one of the most complete players on the roster. Her knack for making key plays, especially steals in crunch time, proved vital throughout the season.
Defining Moments: Grit in Action
Natalia’s season had no shortage of defining moments, but a few stood out as turning points in the team’s journey.
One memorable stretch came during multiple comeback victories, when the Lady Mustangs rallied from double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter to snatch wins. These games showcased not just talent, but mental toughness and team chemistry—the kind of grit that separates good teams from great ones.
Perhaps the most powerful moment came in the Yorktown Tournament Championship game. Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, disaster struck when Yahdi suffered a broken nose and was taken to the hospital. But instead of folding, the team rallied. They played with purpose and intensity, taking the lead several times and ultimately falling short by just one point. That game may have ended in a loss, but it was a clear moral victory—one that highlighted the team’s resilience and refusal to give in.
Yahdi’s return in the very next game, despite the injury, became another testament to the team’s toughness. And in the following tournament, the Lady Mustangs went undefeated to win the championship, the first under Coach Spangler’s tenure. That stretch solidified Natalia as a formidable team that played for one another and never backed down.
Development and Growth: Rising Stars
A hallmark of great programs is how well players grow into new roles, and this Natalia squad was no exception.
Leyla Saenz already had talent, but this season she elevated her game. Not only did her scoring double from the previous year, but her defensive presence also became more consistent and game-changing. She matured into a leader as the season progressed, and her all-around play helped anchor the team through challenges.
Kaylee Uvideo was another player who took a big leap forward. Initially unsure of herself, especially in offensive situations, Kaylee found her footing by season’s end. She evolved from struggling to catch the ball in the high post to confidently taking defenders off the dribble—a transformation that inspired both her teammates and coaching staff.
These emerging players, along with others developing behind the scenes, give Coach Spangler plenty to look forward to.
Responding to Adversity: A Team with Heart
The Lady Mustangs’ season wasn’t just about the wins—it was about how they handled the hard moments. Injuries, pressure-packed games, and close losses all tested the team’s resolve. And each time, they responded.
Instead of letting tough losses derail their momentum, they used them as fuel. When key players went down, others stepped up. And when the pressure mounted, they played for each other with pride and composure.
That mental toughness was instilled by a strong senior class, especially the trio of Yahdi Lujan, Abby Fulton, and Anaya Jones, who served as captains. They were vocal leaders who held teammates accountable, stayed positive in adversity, and modeled what it meant to compete with class and confidence.
“They brought energy late in games to help push us to victories,” Coach Spangler said, “or they kept us on our path after losses, not letting the team focus on things they couldn’t control.”
Replacing their leadership will be a challenge next year, but the culture they’ve built will live on.
Looking Ahead: Hungry for More
Though the Lady Mustangs will lose key seniors, Coach Spangler is optimistic about the future—and for good reason. The returning players are hungry, and their desire to get better has already set the tone for the offseason.
“They have a lot of potential and a desire to reach it,” said Spangler, clearly energized about what’s to come.
This offseason, Natalia will focus on the fundamentals—sharpening shooting, ball-handling, and passing. With the departure of top scorers like Yahdi and Abby, others will need to step into those scoring roles. That’s why foundational skills will be emphasized to ensure that the team can maintain its offensive identity.
And with young talent like Leyla, Kaylee, and others poised to step up, the blueprint for continued success is already in place.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 Natalia High School Girls Basketball season will be remembered not only for the wins and tournament titles but for the character and growth shown by every player. From gutsy comebacks to emotional battles through injuries, this team wrote a story defined by perseverance and passion.
With a strong culture, rising young stars, and a coaching staff that believes in development, Natalia is a program on the rise. As Coach Spangler puts it, the returning players are ready—and “they’re hungry.”
The Lady Mustangs aren’t just building on a season—they’re building something special.
For complete stats or more information about the program, please contact Coach Steven Spangler directly.
, rebounding strength (6 rpg), and gritty play. Her energy and refusal to give up helped the team mount several late-game comebacks. When the momentum shifted, Abby was often right in the middle of it.
Then there was Leyla Saenz, who blossomed into a two-way threat. She averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3 steals per game, and her growth on the defensive end turned her into one of the most complete players on the roster. Her knack for making key plays, especially steals in crunch time, proved vital throughout the season.
Defining Moments: Grit in Action
Natalia’s season had no shortage of defining moments, but a few stood out as turning points in the team’s journey.
One memorable stretch came during multiple comeback victories, when the Lady Mustangs rallied from double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter to snatch wins. These games showcased not just talent, but mental toughness and team chemistry—the kind of grit that separates good teams from great ones.
Perhaps the most powerful moment came in the Yorktown Tournament Championship game. Down by eight points early in the fourth quarter, disaster struck when Yahdi suffered a broken nose and was taken to the hospital. But instead of folding, the team rallied. They played with purpose and intensity, taking the lead several times and ultimately falling short by just one point. That game may have ended in a loss, but it was a clear moral victory—one that highlighted the team’s resilience and refusal to give in.
Yahdi’s return in the very next game, despite the injury, became another testament to the team’s toughness. And in the following tournament, the Lady Mustangs went undefeated to win the championship, the first under Coach Spangler’s tenure. That stretch solidified Natalia as a formidable team that played for one another and never backed down.
Development and Growth: Rising Stars
A hallmark of great programs is how well players grow into new roles, and this Natalia squad was no exception.
Leyla Saenz already had talent, but this season she elevated her game. Not only did her scoring double from the previous year, but her defensive presence also became more consistent and game-changing. She matured into a leader as the season progressed, and her all-around play helped anchor the team through challenges.
Kaylee Uvideo was another player who took a big leap forward. Initially unsure of herself, especially in offensive situations, Kaylee found her footing by season’s end. She evolved from struggling to catch the ball in the high post to confidently taking defenders off the dribble—a transformation that inspired both her teammates and coaching staff.
These emerging players, along with others developing behind the scenes, give Coach Spangler plenty to look forward to.
Responding to Adversity: A Team with Heart
The Lady Mustangs’ season wasn’t just about the wins—it was about how they handled the hard moments. Injuries, pressure-packed games, and close losses all tested the team’s resolve. And each time, they responded.
Instead of letting tough losses derail their momentum, they used them as fuel. When key players went down, others stepped up. And when the pressure mounted, they played for each other with pride and composure.
That mental toughness was instilled by a strong senior class, especially the trio of Yahdi Lujan, Abby Fulton, and Anaya Jones, who served as captains. They were vocal leaders who held teammates accountable, stayed positive in adversity, and modeled what it meant to compete with class and confidence.
“They brought energy late in games to help push us to victories,” Coach Spangler said, “or they kept us on our path after losses, not letting the team focus on things they couldn’t control.”
Replacing their leadership will be a challenge next year, but the culture they’ve built will live on.
Looking Ahead: Hungry for More
Though the Lady Mustangs will lose key seniors, Coach Spangler is optimistic about the future—and for good reason. The returning players are hungry, and their desire to get better has already set the tone for the offseason.
“They have a lot of potential and a desire to reach it,” said Spangler, clearly energized about what’s to come.
This offseason, Natalia will focus on the fundamentals—sharpening shooting, ball-handling, and passing. With the departure of top scorers like Yahdi and Abby, others will need to step into those scoring roles. That’s why foundational skills will be emphasized to ensure that the team can maintain its offensive identity.
And with young talent like Leyla, Kaylee, and others poised to step up, the blueprint for continued success is already in place.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 Natalia High School Girls Basketball season will be remembered not only for the wins and tournament titles but for the character and growth shown by every player. From gutsy comebacks to emotional battles through injuries, this team wrote a story defined by perseverance and passion.
With a strong culture, rising young stars, and a coaching staff that believes in development, Natalia is a program on the rise. As Coach Spangler puts it, the returning players are ready—and “they’re hungry.”
The Lady Mustangs aren’t just building on a season—they’re building something special.
For complete stats or more information about the program, please contact Coach Steven Spangler directly.)
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