Strengthens Toledo's Backcourt
Natiah returns to her hometown of Toledo after beginning her collegiate basketball career at DePaul University.
- Full Name: Natiah Nelson
- Sport: Women's Basketball
- Position: Guard
- Jersey Number: 1
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches
- Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
- High School: Columbus Africentric Early College
- College: University of Toledo
- Previous School: DePaul University
- Current Team: Toledo Rockets
- Class: Junior
- Years Active: 2024-present
At Africentric, she established herself as a productive scorer, finishing her high school career with more than 1,000 points. She helped lead the program to two Division III state championships and earned All-State First Team, All-District First Team and All-City First Team honors.
She was also a Division III Player of the Year nominee and a McDonald's All-American nominee.
Nelson began her collegiate career at DePaul University during the 2024-25 season. As a freshman, she appeared in 26 games, making four starts and recording a season-high 12 points against Xavier in the BIG EAST Tournament.
Her role expanded during the 2025-26 campaign. Nelson appeared in all 32 games, starting 29, and averaged 8.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Among her standout performances were a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double against Valparaiso on November 4, 2025, and a career-high 21 points against Seton Hall on February 14, 2026.
After two seasons with the Blue Demons, Nelson transferred to the University of Toledo, joining the Rockets for the 2026-27 season.
Beyond scoring, Nelson contributes on the boards, creates opportunities for teammates and provides defensive support. She connected on 117 of 254 field-goal attempts during her sophomore campaign.
Her ability to attack the basket, create opportunities for teammates and contribute defensively makes her a versatile addition to Toledo's backcourt.
Toledo head coach Ginny Boggess highlighted Nelson's toughness, competitive approach, defensive commitment, rebounding and playmaking ability as valuable qualities for the Rockets.
Before joining the Rockets, Nelson made 33 starts in 58 appearances during her time with the Blue Demons.
Now back in Toledo, she brings Division I experience, scoring ability and defensive contributions to the Rockets. Her return gives her the opportunity to continue developing while representing her hometown at the collegiate level.