Natalie

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

What I love most about volleyball is how it makes me feel confident and lets me encourage others. My coaches have told me I’m a leader on the team. I’ve always been a kind and caring person who loves helping others. Even when teammates have more experience, I bring positivity and support. I cheer when they score and remind them, “We’ll get the next one.” I love communicating, growing, and having fun together as a team.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

My volleyball journey began at five years old, watching my dad play competitive volleyball. I always went to his games and kept score for his team. Before he stepped away from competitive volleyball after injuring both knees on the court, we practiced passing and setting together every night. Later, while doing other hobbies, I decided to try volleyball. When I made that choice, I remembered all the nights we practiced together, and that became the beginning of my own journey in the sport.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

My proudest moment was making my first volleyball league after only six months of playing. About 60 athletes tried out for 30 spots, and many had played for three years or more. I didn’t make it on the first day, but on the final day, I stayed positive and gave it everything I had while my family and dog cheered me on. Near the end, a coach from the league called me over and told me I had passed. I was incredibly proud of myself.