Listen Here
By Evan Kreais, KreaisE@Findlay.edu
Natalie Wright, a freshman lacrosse player at the University of Findlay, never imagined that her lacrosse career would take her from the heart of Texas to a small town in Northwest Ohio. Just a few months ago, she was set to join Notre Dame College’s lacrosse team, but when the college unexpectedly closed, Natalie was left without a team.
“I 100% believe God moved me to Findlay for a reason,” said Wright, reflecting on the unexpected turn her college journey took. “I am grateful that God had other plans for me.”
Originally from Leander, Texas, Natalie set her sights set on Notre Dame College, where she was excited to continue her athletic career. The news of Notre Dame College closing quickly changed her plans though.
“I was scared at first because it was towards the end of my senior year, so I knew that it would be more difficult to find a school that I loved for college,” Wright said.
Her nervousness quickly turned to excitement about new possibilities. Wright and her dad put together a list of schools that she might want to go to and used her spring break to visit schools.
“I ended up finding Findlay and deciding that was where I wanted to go to school,” Wright said.
The decision to move to Ohio, despite the dramatic change of scenery, has proven to be a turning point in her life. Now on the lacrosse team for the University of Findlay, she is thriving both in the classroom and on the field, feeling a deep sense of belonging that she had never expected.
Her mother was nervous sending Wright off to college so far away, stating that “Being our first born, we had to just hope and pray that we prepared her to leave the nest and fly.”
Alongside Wright during this transitional period of life is her roommate and teammate, Cecilia Cordova.
“I do think it was fate that Natalie ended up at Findlay instead of NDC,” Cordova said.
Despite the sudden changes, Wright embraced her new environment, making friends, excelling in her studies and learning what it takes to be a college athlete. Her faith has been a guiding light, helping her navigate through new challenges but ultimately an awarding transition.
