More Than Just A Jumper
Natalie is not only a long/triple jumper, she is also a sprinter and hurdler too. She juggles competing in the 55H/100H/300H/Long Jump/Triple Jump and relays with her teammates. To be clear though, she doesn't only compete in these events, she places very high and finishes as one of the best in the entire 5A in all of them.
Her favorite events are the long jump and 400H which she feels are the events that feel the most natural to her. Practices naturally are tough. She not only has to focus on all those events but also must be an individual athlete, a competitor, a leader, and most importantly to her, a teammate.
" Balancing all the events is really difficult and I'm still learning, but I think it helps to just focus on the one event you are in currently and then worry about the rest after."
Natalie exemplified that same mentality this past week with her running relays and individual events at the Region 5C Championships. At that meet she took home titles in the 300, HJ, LJ, and 55H. She also helped her 4x2 finish 3rd to advance to States next weekend as well. Those 46 points were the difference between their 101 points and the 64 points of John Champe.
Next weekend and beyond she is looking for another 20 foot mark and some good impressions at her final indoor states and national championships. Most of all, she wants those PR's.
Though she and almost everyone is looking forward to what she will do, she is also looking back and reminding herself of how far she has come.
" My favorite memory was States my freshmen year because I had a really good bond with my upperclassmen teammates. I remember watching everyone compete and being intimidated thinking I wasn't that good. But throughout my high school years I've put myself in the mix with some of the best athletes in the state & nation and proved I can be that good and that I have more potential to be even better. The sky is the limit."