Lady Raider role model for young and old
We applaud Texas Tech Lady Raider Natalie Ritchie not only for her hustle and basketball talent, but for her actions off the court.
After a hard-fought loss to Texas this spring in Lubbock, some of the Tech players returned to the court as usual to mingle with fans, who included lots of little girls and their families.
When Natalie, the Amarillo High School graduate, walked back into public view at United Spirit Arena, her face still was wet from tears after the frustrating defeat to Tech's biggest rival.
But she showed what she's made of by walking into the crowd of admirers and signing young girls' shirts, programs and anything else in front of her. It was touching to see Natalie, still bitterly disappointed, bravely putting on a temporary smile for a snapshot.
That kind of performance makes us glad she is a role model for those many young Lady Raider fans - and for some of us older people, too.
Kathy & Mike Haynes, Amarillo
