For the first time in a long time, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe senior Natalie Collins will play for a basketball coach other than the Lady Warriors’ Wayne Weaver.

Collins’ career began on Weaver’s rec team, and Tuesday afternoon at LFO she signed papers to continue it next season at Motlow State Community College.

“I’ve coached Natalie since she was 6 years old,” Weaver said. “She’s worked hard and been a great asset to our program. She’s a great shooter and a great defender. She’s done anything you could ask of a kid and been a great example to our other players. It’s going to be impossible to replace Natalie.”

Collins was a four-year starter for the Lady Warriors and averaged 12 points, four assists and two steals a game this past season. She also considered Covenant College, but having family in Tullahoma, Tenn., including a grandmother who teaches at Motlow, helped influence her decision to sign with the two-year school.

“I went up and played with their team, and it went really well,” Collins said. “I liked their campus and their coach. They have a good program, and I feel like I fit in there.”

Motlow coach Karen Serra said Collins will have an opportunity to make an impact for her team at the guard position.

“She’s a very intelligent player,” Serra said. “I recruit girls who are good people, good students and good players. Natalie has very good vision of the floor and has the potential to be a strong leader.”