The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current softball student-athlete Natalie Arreguin.
Name: Natalie Arreguin
Hometown (HS): Lee's Summit, MO (Notre Dame de Sion)
Sport: Softball
Major: Psychology
** How did you start getting involved with softball? How old were you when you started playing?
I was introduced to it when I was seven and started playing competitively when I was nine.
** Do you have any current plans for after graduation?
I plan on staying in Atlanta and working within a clinical research lab.
** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
Every day is a learning opportunity, don't get frustrated if something doesn't go exactly your way learn from it and move on. All the extra work that you put in will pay off in the end. Trust in your abilities, they're what got you to this position in the first place.
** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
My professors have had a great impact on me, but no one comes close to the impact that my coach has had on me. When Coach Baggetta filled the head coach position my sophomore year, she helped me develop a whole new mindset in approaching life. She opened my perspective to realize who I can become if I put in the work.
** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
I would retake HLTH 385 - Food, Health, and Society. Dr. Quave's class was so fun, she made every class so interesting and exciting. I learned so much about food around the world and how each food can be utilized for a certain function. In class, we were able to make and try so many different foods from insects to different salsas, it really changed my perspective and enabled me to include a wide variety of food into my diet.
** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
Kansas City is most known for its BBQ, and I met a couple who came from China to try BBQ from my favorite KC restaurant (Q39).
** What is something that people may not know about you but should?
In high school, I had to be a debutante, and I went to ballroom dancing classes to learn the waltz, swing, and tango.
** Other than Softball, what is another sport you think you could play at a high level?
I'm not sure about high level but I've played volleyball and soccer before. I don't have enough foot coordination so by default I would choose volleyball.
** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
I would love to have a conversation with Serena Williams. Time after time I am completely stunned by what she's able to accomplish, she's always been a powerful voice and a driving force in the athletic world. It'd be awesome to talk about what she's faced, and how her mindset has changed through her experiences.
** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
I've been a baking and cooking machine, some of my favorites are homemade ramen, croissants, macarons, or bagels. Quarantine has expanded my tastebuds and tested my food making abilities.
** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
I wouldn't say I hate it, but I don't like sour cream as much as everyone else seems to.
** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
If I had to narrow it down it'd be Remember the Titans, Gladiator, and Pose.
** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
Go to restaurants that I've never been to before!
** What is your favorite Atlanta restaurant?
Tough question, either no. 246 (their pasta is out of this world) or Taqueria San Pancho, their tacos are unbeatable and I've been there more times than I can count.
** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
My most memorable moment was the 2019 Super Regional series against Lynchburg. We lost the first game and won the second. The third game we came from behind a 5-run deficit and won to go to the world series.
** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
My favorite non-athletic moment was walking all around Boston with my team when we went to play Brandeis. It was so fun exploring the city with my favorite people.
** Favorite team activity or tradition?
My favorite team activity is to eat lunch together on the hill next to Asbury circle before practice, we call it hill time.
** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
What you put in is what you get out. Set small goals in each practice to accomplish and build your confidence as a player. Every day is a new opportunity, so don't dwell too much on the past, learn from your mistakes and move on. Relax and have fun, your teammates are always going to be there for you, and they're part of the reason that make it so memorable. Remember it doesn't last forever and you'll never experience this again, cherish it while you can and give everything you have.