In sports, the path to success is often paved with unexpected twists and turns. For junior Natalie Freeman, a diving standout at Minnesota State, her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of rediscovering passion.
 
Before diving into the world of competitive diving, Freeman was a dedicated gymnast from the age of two. However, her gymnastics career came to an abrupt halt at 13 due to injuries.
 
It was a turning point that led her to explore a new sport.
 
"I had to end my career when I discovered injuries that wouldn't allow me to continue doing gymnastics," Freeman said. "Many people told me that I should get into diving because many gymnasts choose to because the transition is easier since you already have a lot of the same skills and the mindset."
 
"I totally didn't want to at first, but the summer before my freshman year, I decided to try out a few private lessons with the high school coach," she continued. "Ever since then, I have fallen in love with the sport and competition it brings into my life again."
 
A New Passion
 
As Freeman embarks on her third season with the Mavericks, she reflects on the mental and physical challenges she's faced and the lessons she's learned along the way.
 
"Honestly, this summer, I felt a little bit drained from my first two seasons in college," Freeman explained. "It's such a long competition season, and after nationals last year, till about a quarter of the way through the summer, I gave myself a break. I think this really helped me because when I started up again practicing with my old coach from home, I felt the way I used to feel about diving. This year, I have fallen back in love with the sport."
 
Freeman's renewed passion for diving is evident in her performance this season, winning four consecutive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Diver of the Week awards.
 
"I started thinking of goals I wanted to achieve this season and told myself that I can do these things and am capable of it," she said. "I think what helped me the most was getting back into mindset that, first, I love this sport, and second, I can do these hard things I set my mind to. I have also upgraded a few of my dives that have helped me achieve these goals so far this season."
 
The Power of Mindset
 
Diving, as Freeman emphasizes, is not just a physical endeavor but a mental one as well.
 
Creating high goals and maintaining a positive mindset have been key factors in her success.
 
"This sport is definitely a mindset sport, and I learned last year really how to change mine," Freeman shared. "Creating these high goals and telling myself I am a good diver has definitely helped me with success."
 
"I also learned that it is okay to set higher goals that in the moment I might not think I'll be able to achieve, but it makes me work harder. If and when I do achieve these goals, it makes me feel so amazing and proud of myself," she continued.
 
"Nat is a true competitor," said head coach Nate Owens. "Once a competition starts, she's 100% focused and dialed in. In a sport like diving where it is so technical and requires the right focus, she excels in having the right approach and mindset. This year, she's off to an amazing start."
 
Team Culture
 
Freeman's journey is not just about personal achievements; it's also about the team culture at Minnesota State.
 
Under the guidance of her coaches, she's found a supportive and structured environment that has played a pivotal role in her growth.
 
"The structure they have created for our team has helped us so much," Freeman said. "They work us hard but still care for us all individually. I think this is such an important trait to have as a coach, and this is one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Minnesota State."
 
Freeman's personal goals for the season include finishing in the top three in the one-meter and top five in the three-meter dive at the NSIC championships, qualifying for nationals, and ultimately becoming an All-American before she graduates.
 
"Nat qualified for the National meet as a freshman," said Owens. "Sophomore year, she had a real bad neck injury one week before the pre-qualifying meet. It was so rough that I didn't think that she'd be able to travel much less compete. Regardless, she just missed qualifying again. This year, back fully healthy, we can make the argument that she's having her best season ever and already fully eligible for the National pre-qualification rounds in March. We would love to see her in peak form at the end of the season. She's a force to be reckoned with."
 
However, her aspirations extend beyond personal accolades.
 
She aims to be a positive influence and inspiration for her teammates, emphasizing the importance of support and motivation in a sport that can be physically and mentally demanding.
 
"It's so important within the sport of diving to support each other and have these role models to keep us motivated and not burnt out, and I would love to be this person for my teammates," she shared. "I want to be able to finish my diving career strong and look back and be proud of all of my accomplishments."
 
The Routines
 
Freeman's dedication to her sport is reflected in her meticulous routines. She watches videos of herself the night before a meet to visualize her dives, prays for strength and guidance, and listens to music to maintain focus.
 
These routines, combined with her unwavering belief in herself, have propelled her to success.
 
"Knowing that God is there for me. I give all my glory to him, and I truly believe I couldn't do any of this without him," Freeman explained.
 
"I also listen to music throughout the meet. It puts me in a calmer and/or pumped-up mindset so I can really focus on myself instead of what's going on around me. In between dives, I'll go put my earbuds in to keep myself in the same mindset."
 
Freeman draws inspiration from fellow divers, particularly those who have overcome their own struggles in the sport.
 
She looks up to athletes like Makayla Hughbanks and Aspen Warnagora, who have achieved remarkable feats and served as role models for her.
 
"Watching her become an All-American on one meter inspired me and made me think it is possible," Freeman said about Warnagora.
 
"We both had our struggles with diving, and I think this made me become closer with her. I would watch her diving and the way she practiced and wanted to be like her. Again, diving is such a burnout sport, but it's the accomplishments and feeling of achieving your goals that keep you loving it. And I think I really understood that with Aspen."
 
Beyond the Pool
 
Outside of diving, Freeman remains active and engaged in various activities. She's passionate about lifting, which she considers a form of therapy, and takes great care in maintaining her health.
 
Hiking, walking her dog, and even dabbling in golf are some of the activities that bring her joy and balance outside the pool.
 
As Freeman continues her diving career at Minnesota State, she does so with a sense of purpose and determination.
 
Her journey from gymnastics to diving, from burnout to rediscovered passion, serves as an inspiration not only to her teammates but to anyone facing challenges and seeking new horizons.
 
With her unwavering spirit and dedication, Freeman is not just diving for herself; she's diving for the Mavericks, for her coaches, and for the love of the sport that has become her second chance at greatness.
 
"Our biggest goal is to win conference," Freeman concluded. "Throughout my college career, we haven't won yet, and I truly believe we can do it this year."