Athlete Feature – Natalie Gower

How old were you when you first started playing volleyball?

I was 10 years old.

How old were you when you started playing club volleyball?

I started club volleyball when I was 12.

Who had the biggest impact on your life/who did you look up to when you were younger and why?

I would say my high school volleyball coach, Karen Davis, had the most impact on me volleyball wise. At that time, playing volleyball in college wasn’t even a thought for me, as I hadn’t had many family members who played collegiate sports and was one of the first in my family to play volleyball. I played for fun (and because I’m tall), but she really made me realize what opportunities the sport could bring me.

What was your favorite club volleyball season and why?

My favorite club volleyball season was probably my 15s year. Not only did our team have a lot of success, finishing 3rd in the Open Division at Nationals, but it was the biggest recruiting year. That year made me realize that getting a scholarship to play volleyball was a reality for me, and it was really fun to talk to college coaches and see what their schools had to offer.

What is your favorite part about volleyball? 

My favorite part about volleyball is the team. Especially in college, when things get a little more intense, your teammates become your family. You spend the majority of your time with them, whether that be practicing, playing hard games, working out, going to study hall, etc. The hardest and best moments are all experienced together, and the bond you have with your teammates is unlike any other relationship you will ever have.

Where did you go to college and why did you choose that university?

I went to TCU. I picked TCU because they were transitioning into the Big 12, which is one of the strongest volleyball conferences. I also loved the fact that TCU was a relatively small school but had big time athletics across the board, and it didn’t hurt that the campus is absolutely beautiful.

What position did you play in college?

I played middle in college.

What was your most memorable collegiate match and why?

The most memorable collegiate match for me was when we swept Texas at home my Junior year. Not only did we beat the #1 team in the country (at that time), but it was the day after my 21st birthday, so it was the best present I could have asked for.

What was your favorite part of playing volleyball in college?

Again, I’m going to have to say the best part was becoming so close with the team. Looking back, the hardest moments were the most memorable, and we can look back now and laugh about them. Getting through hard times together only brought us closer in the end. Another huge perk was all the travel we were able to do as a result of volleyball. We got to see a lot of different cities in the United States, but my class was also lucky enough to be part of a trip to Italy.

What was your major and why did you choose it?

I choose a Communication Studies major (business minor) because I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do when I graduated, so I picked a versatile major that I was also interested in.

Throughout your career, how did you handle adversity? Whether that be an injury, playing time, a bad day, or an argument with a teammate?

Throughout my career, I had to deal with adversity in many different forms, having two major knee surgeries and a hip surgery, dealing with being benched at times, and of course team drama. I found the best way to handle all of these issues is through open and honest communication. For example, if you aren’t playing, schedule a meeting with your coach and ask where you can improve in order to earn a spot on the court. This will let your coach know that you’re willing to work to earn a spot, and you will also get their take on why you aren’t playing and what areas you need to focus on.

What role did your mind play in getting you through the tough times that collegiate sports throw at you?

Mental toughness is crucial in getting through the tough times you face as a college athlete. Not only are you just learning how to live on your own, but you are juggling grueling workouts and balancing tough classes. Being able to stay mentally strong in whatever way works for you is key, and different people are able to achieve that in different ways whether that be talking to a mentor, focusing on healthy eating and getting lots of sleep, doing yoga/meditation in their free time, etc.

What are you doing now?

I have been working in digital marketing for the last 2.5 years, but recently accepted a new job at Stryker, a medical device company.

How did playing volleyball prepare you for life after sports?

Volleyball prepared me for life after sports in so many ways that I did not see as I was playing. It helped with time management since you are always balancing school, volleyball, and a social life, with the expectation that you will excel in all areas of your life. Playing at a high level also instills characteristics that will stay with you forever, such as drive, commitment, and loyalty.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I would tell the younger me to enjoy every moment of it. While I was pretty good about taking a step back and reminding myself how lucky I was to be in the position that I was in, I wish I would have had that same mindset through even the toughest times (like hard workouts, required study halls, etc.) because now looking back, I realize how important those “not so fun” moments were for my growth.

Collegiate Accomplishments: Academic

Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Big 12 All Academic First Team all 4 years
Dean’s List – 6 semesters while graduating in 3 1/2 years

Collegiate Accomplishments: Athletic

2015 AVCA All Southwest Region
2016 Vollleyball All American
2016 All-Big 12 First Team