Nahatabaa “Baa” Nacona signed a letter of intent Friday to continue her basketball career at Eastern Nazarene College, in Quincy, Ma.

Nacona has spent the past two years playing for the North Platte Community College Knights. She is originally from Chinle, Ariz.

“I’ve really enjoyed how small NPCC is and how friendly the teachers are,” Nacona said. “They accept me for who I am. As far as basketball is concerned, I’ve enjoyed competing at a higher level and having people remind me of who I am.”

She’s looking forward to the sights, sounds and experiences that will come with living in Quincy.

“I came from a small community to another small community, and now I’m going to a big city,” Nacona said. “I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Nacona averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game during the 2018-19 basketball season. Her work earned her spots on the Region IX All-Region Team as well as the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.

Nacona was a key factor in helping the Knights top the 20-win mark for the third time in four years. She also joined the team on its journey to nationals and in claiming a NCCAC championship with a perfect 6-0 mark.

“Baa deserves this opportunity,” said NPCC women’s head basketball coach Jeff Thurman. “She trusted us enough to come back after her freshman year and not only, did she help lead our team to unprecedented heights for us, but she also provided leadership to our freshmen athletes. ENC is getting a great basketball player, and is getting an even better person.”

Nacona graduated Friday with an Associate of Science degree from NPCC. She plans to major in social work at Eastern Nazarene. Her goal is to return to the Navajo nation to help the people of Chinle and surrounding areas.