Born in Vero Beach, Florida, she attended Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas, and during her senior year, she was ranked as one of the nation's top five players by Blue Star Report and was named an All-American by USA Today, Street & Smith's, and Parade Magazine.

The team participated in the third Junior World Championship, held in Chetumal, Mexico in late August and early September 1996.

The USA rebounded with a close 92–88 victory over Cuba, helped by 23 points each from Maylana Martin and Pride.

[3] Pride was named to the team representing the USA at the 1998 William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan.

The USA team, coached by Nell Fortner, won all five games, earning the gold medal for the competition.