Natalie Espinal, graduate finance major and tennis player, won a third Intercollegiate Tennis Association Doubles Cup last month.
While Espinal has played remarkably in this tournament, she also has three teammates who have played a pivotal role in her success: Freya Davies, Fatima Bizhukova and Sarah Wardenburg. Wardenburg and Espinal competed in the ITA cup for the first time in program history in 2019, securing a Division II doubles title for NSU.
“Competing in the ITA Cup with multiple partners has been a unique experience as each of my doubles’ partners had their own
PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER Natalie Espinel prepares to serve during a match.
playing style and strength. I had to learn to adjust my game to complement their strength,” Espinal said.
As an international student-athlete from Honduras, Espinal has faced challenges in balancing her academic and athletic career.
“Keeping up with my training sessions, matches, rehabbing, and traveling, all while keeping my grades up is not easy,” Espinal said.
Espinal has maintained her three-time ITA Doubles Cup winning reputation though she credits her teammates for support both on and off the court.
“It’s been a great journey getting to know all of my teammates as all of us are international student-athletes so getting to know their culture and building that trust on and off the court is something really special,” Espinal said.
Espinal values what she has learned throughout her Shark career, including the challenges she and her teammates have overcome.
“From fighting for every point, some tough losses, and great victories, these experiences helped us perform better as a team. Most importantly, it helped us create an incredible friendship that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life,” Espinal said.
Doug Neagle, head tennis coach, also pushes Espinal to achieve her athletic goals.
“Coach Neagle has helped in my development as a tennis player during my time at NSU as he is very adaptable, understanding. He taught me the importance of discipline, techniques to stay positive, and how to stay composed under pressure,” Espinal said.
Espinal’s Sharks career has also included being a four-time All-SSC first team (singles) selection (2019-2022), three-time All-SSC first team (doubles), All-SSC second team (2019), the 2019 SSC Freshman of the Year and 2021 SSC Athlete of the Year.
To keep up with Espinal and the Sharks, follow them on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, @nsu_wtennis.
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