Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Welcome Natalia Hesslau to the Program
5/16/2021 7:15:00 AM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving, 'Cats Give Back
EVANSTON, Ill. — Director of Swimming and Diving Katie Robinson and the entire Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Program are excited to welcome Natalia Hesslau, of Hawthorn Woods, IL, as a member of the team during a virtual signing day ceremony on May 16th.
"This is a big day for our team in welcoming Natalia," says Robinson. "Her smiles and laughter are contagious with our team and we are thrilled to have her positive, sweet and spunky spirit on our squad. She is without a doubt an outstanding addition to our team."
Junior diver Evan Labuda had this to share about Natalia: "As someone who has been on our team's recruiting committee for the past three years, I can say without a doubt that Natalia is the definition of a perfect recruit, and we were all so excited when we found out she was committing to Northwestern. Natalia's amazing positive attitude and limitless amount of kindness is going to bring our team to the next level, and we know she will have an immediate impact as the newest Wildcat on the NU Swim & Dive Team."
"Natalia has already been a very positive and active member of our team," according to Junior swimmer Jasmine Hellmer. "She never fails to bring her radiant energy to every team hangout. I have absolutely loved getting to know Natalia over the school year. The virtual nature of this year has made communication more difficult, which makes me even more excited to hang out with Natalia in person at swim meets, team outings and more in the near future! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!"
Natalia Hesslau, 13, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2. She attends St. James Catholic School in Arlington Heights and lives with her parents, Marinés and Steven, siblings, and schnoodle Waldo. She enjoys painting, American Girl stories, and Disney movies. If she could have any superpower it would be the power to spread kindness; her Wildcat teammates think she already has this special ability as they have seen it in action during Zoom hangouts filled with smiles and laughter. The Wildcats are looking forward to the future when they will be able to spend time with Natalia in person on Northwestern's campus for practices, competitions, and team activities. For now they are making good use of all the virtual connection skills they have gained this year.
The Wildcats partnered with Team IMPACT to recruit Natalia to the Swimming & Diving team. Team IMPACT is a national non-profit organization that pairs children facing life threatening or chronic illnesses with college teams to improve quality of life, develop relationships, and form life changing outcomes. Since its start in 2011, Team IMPACT has partnered more than 2,000 children with over 700 universities and colleges.
To learn more about Team IMPACT, click here.
"This is a big day for our team in welcoming Natalia," says Robinson. "Her smiles and laughter are contagious with our team and we are thrilled to have her positive, sweet and spunky spirit on our squad. She is without a doubt an outstanding addition to our team."
Junior diver Evan Labuda had this to share about Natalia: "As someone who has been on our team's recruiting committee for the past three years, I can say without a doubt that Natalia is the definition of a perfect recruit, and we were all so excited when we found out she was committing to Northwestern. Natalia's amazing positive attitude and limitless amount of kindness is going to bring our team to the next level, and we know she will have an immediate impact as the newest Wildcat on the NU Swim & Dive Team."
"Natalia has already been a very positive and active member of our team," according to Junior swimmer Jasmine Hellmer. "She never fails to bring her radiant energy to every team hangout. I have absolutely loved getting to know Natalia over the school year. The virtual nature of this year has made communication more difficult, which makes me even more excited to hang out with Natalia in person at swim meets, team outings and more in the near future! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!"
Natalia Hesslau, 13, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2. She attends St. James Catholic School in Arlington Heights and lives with her parents, Marinés and Steven, siblings, and schnoodle Waldo. She enjoys painting, American Girl stories, and Disney movies. If she could have any superpower it would be the power to spread kindness; her Wildcat teammates think she already has this special ability as they have seen it in action during Zoom hangouts filled with smiles and laughter. The Wildcats are looking forward to the future when they will be able to spend time with Natalia in person on Northwestern's campus for practices, competitions, and team activities. For now they are making good use of all the virtual connection skills they have gained this year.
The Wildcats partnered with Team IMPACT to recruit Natalia to the Swimming & Diving team. Team IMPACT is a national non-profit organization that pairs children facing life threatening or chronic illnesses with college teams to improve quality of life, develop relationships, and form life changing outcomes. Since its start in 2011, Team IMPACT has partnered more than 2,000 children with over 700 universities and colleges.
To learn more about Team IMPACT, click here.
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