Dear Washington: Natalie Robinson - University of Washington Athletics

Dear Washington,

Thanks for everything! Four years ago, I never could have imagined the person I would become.

I grew up 20 minutes away from UW. I attended the volleyball games and I was dazzled by how fun it looked to be a Husky. However, you can’t truly know how special it is to be a part of Washington Athletics until you’re in it. The best memories of my life have been made at Washington, and nearly everyone I’ve met has changed my life for the better. The sense of community and the support from every person around me is something that I couldn’t be more thankful for and that I’ll always miss when I leave. I think few people understand how much work goes into making just one student-athlete experience a positive one, and how many people are cheering for every athlete here to succeed. From the leadership of Jen Cohen, a badass female athletic director paving the way for women everywhere, to the friendliest of facility staff that always greeted me kindly in the hallways, I’ve felt at home at UW.

Washington is my favorite place on Earth. The lake in the summer, the mountains, the sunsets, and even the city will always be unmatched in beauty. However, it’s the people that really make a place home and I think the UW athletic department has the greatest people. The weight room and everybody in it deserve a shout-out for providing a space I couldn’t live without, and teaching me strength and independence, two skills I will value the rest of my life. Matt, an academic hero, and both Amy and Erica, kept me moving forward and setting myself up for life after athletics, which unfortunately really sneaks up on you. Our nutritionists, managers, trainers, learning specialists, and executive staff have all played a role in helping me grow up and shape me into the person I am today, and this would be a long letter if I tried to thank everybody individually. Most importantly, I’ve made friends that I’ll have forever, and that alone makes the entire experience worth it. Thank you to teammates on both the indoor and beach volleyball team, from when I was a little freshman learning how to navigate constantly making mistakes on and off the court, to being a senior trying to set an example on the first-ever beach-only team at UW. Beyond volleyball, I’ve been touched by every other athlete I’ve met, and I feel lucky to have spent four years surrounded by such amazing athletes and friends in so many sports. From winning national championships to crying in the training room, everyone is in it together, and the Husky Family is truly a special one.

Six seasons, two sports, and two degrees later, it’s bittersweet to reflect on my time at Washington. I’m off to law school to start a new adventure. I can only hope that despite the inevitable challenges I’ll face, the lessons I’ve learned here have prepared me to succeed anywhere. It is quite comforting knowing that nothing can be more dreadful than waking up before sunrise to practice in 14 MPH winds while it snows at Golden Gardens while wearing surfing booties. Truly the greatest setting in college beach volleyball!!

In all seriousness, I’ve had the best four years of my life. Go Dawgs forever!!!!!

Natalie Robinson
Beach Volleyball
Class of 2021