Everyday Champion: Natalie Johnson - Oregon State University Athletics

(Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lake Oswego HS) is an outstanding outfielder for the No. 8 ranked Oregon State softball team. Along with excelling on the field, Natalie excels in the classroom. She has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 and is Majoring in Psychology. Natalie has also been involved with the community, and serves as the community service representative for SAAC.

What got you into softball?

Oh gosh... I’ve been playing since I was little. I’ve played pretty much every sport, so it’s really hard to say what got me into softball.

What do you enjoy most about softball?

Definitely being part of a team. Your team turns into your family, it’s a true team sport, and it’s such a good time.

Do you have a favorite memory you would like to share from your time with the Oregon State softball team?

When Boomer hit a grand slam for us to beat Arizona at home was probably the coolest moment ever.

You and your team have seen a lot of success this year. What has that been like?

Ever since last year when we were so successful, we just kind of expected it all year. We go out and we know we are one of the top teams in the country. We just have that attitude every game that we are going to win. We are really expecting to go all the way this year - it’s just a really cool feeling.

What extra-curricular activities have you been involved in?

I am the community service representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). So I organize all of the community service for the athletes. Right now we are getting ready to do the “Halsell Day of Caring.” It’s a day where four to eight people from every team are going to go and volunteer and do some community service job out in the town. It is going to involve a lot of people on campus as well, and not just athletes.

Do you have a favorite classroom experience or favorite class you would like to share?

My favorite class is any class with Professor Ryan. I am actually researching with him right now, and that has been really fun.

What is it like being a student-athlete in Corvallis?

It’s pretty fun. You go places and people recognize you and are like, “Oh aren’t you on the softball team?” Especially being roommates with Bri (), everyone knows us wherever we go. It’s funny, some people really know who you are and think it’s a really cool thing. So it’s really neat to be looked up to and respected.

What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t playing softball?

I liked to ride my long board around campus, and I actually really like school, I’m kind of a nerd. Anything I do with my team too. We are all best friends.

What are your plans after OSU?

I want to go to grad-school and get my PhD is Health Psychology or Counseling Psychology, maybe be a sports psychologist or something like that.