Natalie Whitfield stepped foot onto frigid pool decks in the early morning air, something she’s done since age nine. This dedication transpired to her attending several National training camps for her water polo career, and led to her being selected to join the Cadet National Water Polo program, competing in her first national tournament in 2024—the U19 PanAms.
The U19 PanAms are an aquatics organization that works to showcase some of the best aspiring athletes in the country, and allows them to compete for a national championship title. They foster several training camps and tryout opportunities, ultimately selecting the best of the best to compete,—Whitfield being one of them.
“My favorite thing about [playing] polo is just the team [aspect],” Whitfield said, “Its just so exciting and fun.”
Water sports are in her blood. Whitfield takes her inspiration from her family, as she is the daughter of two swimmers and the sister of a fellow water polo player. Natalie’s brother, Zach Whitfield, is in his sophomore year at Pomona College, playing on their Division III men’s water polo team. Whitfield hopes to follow in her brother’s footsteps and play college water polo, and is currently in contact with several of her top colleges.
“I’m still very open to whatever, I’m kind of just talking [to multiple colleges] and seeing where it goes,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield and Zach Whitfield were originally coached by their father, Miles Whitfield, who taught them to play in their friends’ backyard pool. Miles Whitfield took part in several decent high school teams as a student athlete and loves watching his daughter excel in her sport and accomplish great things.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Whitfield.
“Her skill level and athleticism continually impress me,” Miles Whitfield said “But what I am most proud of is her attitude and love for the sport.”
Known and appreciated for her passions and positive attitude, Whitfield’s friends and family have many positive things to say about her.
“She is always humble and friendly, despite her crazy accomplishments,” Whitfield’s teammate of seven years, Jillian Bishop said.
Whitfield’s humility and encouraging attitude makes her an excellent friend and teammate, commonly crediting her coaches and teammates for their contributions to her successes.
“We all work so hard together, and it really pushes everyone to be their best,” Whitfield said
In addition to her time as both an attacker and defender for the AGHS varsity Girls Water Polo team, Whitfield’s skill and efforts have taken her to several countries.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Whitfield.
“I played center defender in both Turkey and El Salvador,” Whitfield said. “It was a lot of wrestling with the other center [defender].
By playing her heart out and striving for success, Whitfield is a true asset to our water polo program, as well as the national team.
“She doesn’t give up,” Bishop said.“She’s not just born with her ability. She constantly works for it.”
Whitfield dedicated thousands of hours to water polo, becoming the amazing athlete she is today.
“No matter what level of game she is playing, I always love watching Natalie in action,” Whitfield’s mom Shawna Whitfield said.
Natalie Whitfield serves as an inspiration for all the young athletes in her town, as well as countless other aspiring water polo players and student-athletes.
