Boise State senior Natalie Pasco will participate in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships on April 3 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with the event airing nationally on ESPN on April 5, according to an April 2 announcement from the program.
Pasco’s selection for this national competition follows a standout collegiate career marked by her achievements as one of Boise State’s top shooters. Her performance highlights the impact of the Bird Drill, a rigorous shooting exercise named after NBA legend Larry Bird and used as a benchmark for excellence within the team. The drill tests players’ ability to make consecutive three-pointers under pressure and fatigue, serving as a key part of head coach Gordy Presnell’s training regimen.
Pasco set a new program record during her time at Boise State, scoring 105 points and making 35 threes in one session of the Bird Drill. This surpassed Riley Lupfer’s previous mark of 99 points. “It’s a good drill to get up a lot of shots and be consistent,” Pasco said. “It helps me be ready to shoot quickly during games.” She finished her college career with 275 made three-pointers—second only to Lupfer—and scored a total of 1,571 points, ranking fourth all-time at Boise State.
Assistant coach Cariann Ramirez described Pasco’s quick release as her defining strength and told her before nationals: “This is your wheelhouse… All you have to do is pick up the ball and shoot. That’s what you do best.” When notified about her selection for the championship event, Pasco said: “When I got the call, I was excited, mixed with a little nervousness… I’m grateful for the opportunity.” She added about representing Boise State one last time: “It’s crazy to think this will be the last time wearing a Boise State uniform. But it’s a cool opportunity to represent the program again after the season. I’m excited to be there and keep shooting.”
As she prepares for Friday’s contest—the first Bronco since 2003 invited—Pasco hopes this will not be her final chapter in basketball but rather another step toward playing professionally overseas.
