BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation is starting a new series to give an in-depth look into current student-athletes each Monday. We begin the series with women's cross country and track student-athlete Natalie Novotni '21. Novotni is the two-time defending Landmark Conference Women's Cross Country Champion having won the meet in 2018 and 2019, and she is a five-time Landmark Conference Champion adding two Landmark Conference Indoor titles in the 3,000-meter run and one in the 5,000-meter run. Novotni has a total of seven Landmark All-Conference selections during her career.
Natalie Novotni
Class: 2021
Major: Nursing
How did you choose your sport? I began playing soccer and basketball in kindergarten, growing up as a kid. I started running track in fourth grade and fell in love with it. Track was always my favorite sport, so in my sophomore year of high school, I decided to quit playing soccer and basketball in order to focus on running year-round.
Why did you come to Moravian College? I came to Moravian because of its excellent reputation in regard to the nursing program and track and field program. I was especially impressed by the coaching staff and Moravian's facilities.
What is your major and how did you choose it? I am a nursing major. I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, but I was drawn to nursing because I love helping others and because of the direct interactions with the patients.
What are your future plans? After graduation, I plan on becoming an ED or OR nurse once I pass the N-CLEX. Long term, I would love to go back to school to become a nurse anesthetist and work at CHOP.
What is your favorite place on campus? My favorite place on campus is Zime.
What is your most memorable moment at Moravian? My most memorable moment at Moravian is meeting all of my teammates, who turned into my best friends.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions? I always eat oatmeal with peanut butter and banana as my pre-race meal. I also have a lucky sports bra and pair of socks that I always wear for races.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Moravian is a very close, tight-knit community and my teammates became like family to me. If you have any questions or need any help, do not hesitate to ask someone at all! Everyone that is a part of Moravian Athletics is here to help you. Moravian has the perfect student and athlete balance.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? The best piece of advice I have been given is to live in the present. Life goes by fast, so there is no need to rush or stress about things that haven't happened yet or won't matter in the next few years.
Who are your role models/most influential people? My parents are my role models because they are both extremely hard-working and supportive.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Post Malone, JFK, and Jennifer Aniston
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I am left-handed
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – purple
Favorite Food – salmon
Favorite Restaurant – Harvest
Favorite Movie – The Notebook
Favorite TV Show – This is Us
Favorite Musical Artist – Post Malone
Favorite Athlete – Emma Coburn or Zach Ertz
Favorite Pro Team – Philadelphia Eagles or the Sixers
Hobbies – hiking, baking, coloring
Ideal Travel Destination – Australia
Superpower you'd Like to Have – ability to read minds
