From the Bird Drill to the National Stage
Camryn Edens
As soon as you step into the Boise State women’s basketball locker room inside the Arguinchona Basketball Complex, a glance to the left reveals a list of the program’s greatest 3-point shooters.
A plaque displays the program’s Bird Drill leaderboard, a staple in head coach Gordy Presnell’s program.
Etched at the very top: Natalie Pasco.
Pasco’s shooting prowess has since been recognized nationally. The senior sharpshooter is set to participate in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event will be televised nationally on Sunday.
Her selection comes as no surprise to Boise State’s coaches, who recognized her shooting ability years earlier.
ABOUT THE DRILL
Named after NBA legend Larry Bird, the Bird Drill is designed to simulate pressure shooting at its highest level. It’s not just about making shots—it’s about making them when you’re tired, rushed and being watched.
Players have two minutes to make shots from five spots along the 3-point arc. At each spot, they must make two-consecutive shots before moving on. Once all five spots are cleared, the player advances to the top of the arc and fires as many threes as possible before time expires. Each make at the top is worth three points.
The drill is relentless. It tests conditioning, demands focus and exposes a shooter’s ability to stay consistent under fatigue.
Assistant coach Cariann Ramirez, who works closely with the guards, puts it simply:
The Bird Drill has become a cornerstone for proving your worth as a shooter at Boise State.
For four years, the standard was set by Riley Lupfer (2016-20), the program’s all-time leader in 3-point shooting.
Lupfer left a lasting mark on Boise State history as a three-time All-Mountain West selection and the 2018 Mountain West Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She broke the previous program record for 3-pointers made, finishing with 350 as she surpassed the former mark of 260 set by Abby Vaughn (1999-2003).
Her Bird Drill score of 99 points stood as the benchmark–a number that every recruit, current player and alum knew by heart.
Over time, the Bird Drill evolved into more than just a workout, it became a defining measure of competitiveness and identity, ingrained in the culture of Boise State shooters.
Presnell later had an official leaderboard created, further cementing the drill’s importance within the program.
BREAKING THE RECORD
Pasco had run the Bird Drill countless times since arriving in Boise in 2022. But on Dec. 15, 2024, something felt different.
Just before the team departed for the Husky Classic in Seattle, Pasco ran the Bird Drill one more time.
From the start, she was locked in.
Ramirez points to Pasco’s release as her defining strength. It’s a motion that mirrors Lupfer’s, allowing her to get shots off quickly and accurately.
That day, everything clicked.
Shot after shot fell through the net. The energy in the gym shifted as the number climbed closer to 99. Rebounders rushed to get her the ball back faster, sensing history in the making.
Then the buzzer sounded.
105 points. 35 made threes.
The gym erupted. Teammates surrounded Pasco, screaming as she etched her name at the top of the list.
Lupfer was notified almost immediately. Coaches even reviewed film from the session to confirm that there was a new record holder.
But for Pasco, the drill represents more than a number.
“It’s a good drill to get up a lot of shots and be consistent,” she said. “It helps me be ready to shoot quickly during games.”
The results translated. Pasco finished her career with 275 made 3-pointers, the second-most in program history, while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc. She trails only Lupfer, who recorded 350.
She also became one of Boise State’s top scorers, tallying 1,571 career points, fourth-most in program history.
“Making threes helps,” she joked.
TRANSITION TO THE NATIONAL STAGE
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— Boise State Women’s Basketball (@BroncoSportsWBB) February 12, 2026
Dani Bayes and Natalie Pasco have been added to the 2026 Celsius Women’s 3-Point Championships watch list!#BleedBlue | #WhatsNext pic.twitter.com/EYW3PpbSmE
On Feb. 12, 2026, she and teammate Dani Bayes were named to the watch list for the Celsius Women’s 3-Point Championship, part of the 37th annual State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships.
The seniors remained focused on the season.
Boise State finished 14-6 in Mountain West play, earning the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament. The Broncos secured wins over No. 12 San Jose State and No. 4 New Mexico before falling in a narrow 68-66 semifinal loss to No. 9 Air Force.
The end of a collegiate career is always emotional—especially for Pasco, who spent every year of her eligibility wearing the same uniform.
But for her, there was one more opportunity.
ONE LAST SHOT
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— Boise State Women’s Basketball (@BroncoSportsWBB) March 25, 2026
Natalie Pasco is headed to the Celsius Women’s 3-Point Championship ??
She becomes the first Bronco since 2003, and just the fourth MW player ever, to earn this moment.
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?? ESPN | April 5#BleedBlue | #WhatsNext pic.twitter.com/zjJlXmDbLB
On March 25, 2026, Pasco received a call from the College Slam committee. She had officially been invited to compete in the 3-Point Championship.
“When I got the call, I was excited, mixed with a little nervousness,” Pasco said. “It made it feel like a really big deal. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
She didn’t hesitate. After accepting, she went straight back to the gym.
The competition shares similarities with the Bird Drill–quick shooting, multiple spots–but with a key difference. Instead of receiving passes from rebounders, shooters pull balls from racks. It’s a subtle change, but one that requires adjustment in rhythm and timing.
Ramirez isn’t concerned.
“This is your wheelhouse,” she told Pasco. “You don’t have to rebound, defend or run an offense. All you have to do is pick up the ball and shoot. That’s what you do best.”
Still, the nerves are there.
“Stay calm,” Pasco tells herself. “It’s just for fun—there doesn’t need to be pressure.”
At the same time, she understands the moment.
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.Natalie Pasco
WHAT'S NEXT
Pasco will compete in the Celsius Women’s 3-Point Championship on Friday, April 3 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The event will air nationally on ESPN on Sunday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m. MT.
It will mark the final time she takes the floor representing Boise State. However, it likely won’t be the last time she’s shooting.
Pasco hopes to continue her basketball career professionally overseas, bringing with her the same quick release, relentless work ethic and confidence that carried her to the top of the Bird Drill leaderboard.
No matter where she goes next, her name will remain among Boise State’s greatest shooters.
And as Presnell continues to build the program, Pasco’s mark will stand as the standard for those who follow.
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— Boise State Women’s Basketball (@BroncoSportsWBB) March 27, 2026
?? ESPN | April 3#BleedBlue | #WhatsNext pic.twitter.com/sxb3urdAoo