Natalie Ackerley never doubted she would play a sport during her college career.

"I made a tough decision to run track because it was new and I had room to improve and become a better runner," said Ackerley, a communication major and redshirt senior who runs middle-distance races for Washington State University.

In her youth, Natalie juggled swimming, basketball and soccer, which meant she never had time to take breaks in between seasons, but she quickly became bored and was looking for a new sport to play.

After her twin sister, Mikelle, pushed her to run track, Natalie found a new sport she loved. After joining track, Natalie dropped every other sport and decided to focus on running track in college.

Natalie attributes her drive and success to her twin sister, because of her sister's dedicated work ethic and capacity to stay with something even when it becomes challenging.

"As I have gotten older, I looked up to her work ethic and how she never gives up. Track was taken from her when she became injured. So I feel like I'm competing for both of us," Natalie said.

To become a stronger competitor, Natalie puts her heart and soul into training. Natalie dedicates her life to track and her studies and said she does not have time in between the two for hobbies or other extracurricular activities.

As a middle-distance runner, Natalie needs to be in tune with her body and to focus on her running technique.

"You have to think about your form, how your feet are hitting the ground, and how you are posturing your back, otherwise you will get hurt, which I have a tendency to do," she said.

Natalie looks up to professional runners and wants to emulate their lifestyles and success in running. Colleen Quigley, middle-distance runner and Nike-Bowerman track club member, is a major influence for Natalie.

Since the 2020 spring track season is cancelled, Natalie doesn't know what the future holds for her. She is juggling the decision to come back and run one more season while she pursues a master's degree with the possibility of entering the corporate world.