Patriot College Athlete: Natalie Moradian

Following her commitment to play Division II college lacrosse at Georgian Court University, the Patriot Press interviewed star goalkeeper Natalie Moradian.

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What do you like best about lacrosse?

– The best thing about lacrosse is the people you meet. Lacrosse is becoming a big sport around the world and I love making new friends that I can connect with! I also enjoy traveling to play the sport I love. I recently played in Dallas, Texas and it was an amazing experience!

What is one of your most memorable moments playing lacrosse?

– One of my most memorable moments playing lacrosse was recently in Texas. It was my club team and I’s last time playing together. During the last few seconds of the game, I made a save and launched the ball down the field and my teammate scored! My defenders ran over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. It was a great way to end my club lacrosse career.

Do you have a favorite memory or game at Township?

– My favorite Township lacrosse game was when the varsity team played against Colts Neck. Both teams played great and we ended up going to overtime. After about 15 seconds, Colts Neck rolled to the cage and I made a save. Instead of letting time run out, I passed the ball to one of my middies and she passed it to the attack and she scored as the buzzer rang! I had a game-winning save and started a great transition. I had 12 saves in the game and it was a complete team effort.

Who was your personal or professional inspiration to start playing?

– Mr. Steve and Mrs. Kathy Shinners were my inspirations to start playing. They needed a lacrosse goalie and knew I played field hockey and they asked me to start playing! Since then, I fell in love with the sport! An inspiration that I currently have is my lacrosse coaches, Lori, Kelly, and Chris. Their hard work and dedication are the reason I continue to play lacrosse. They are constantly supporting me and pushing me to be the best I can be. I also look up to my mom and my dad. They are my biggest support system and I don’t know what I would do without them.

What do you like to do in the offseason?

– In the offseason, I play field hockey for a women’s league. I also sing in the school’s choir and perform in the drama club. I also play lacrosse year-round with my club team and play in a winter league with Southern Regional High School!

What is something interesting that people don’t know about you?

– In lacrosse, I make sure that my great grandma’s name is on my stick. She passed away 7 years ago, but she is one of my biggest supporters so I make sure she is always with me.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

– I listen to the same song every time, “Wait For It” from Hamilton, on the bus. Before the game starts, I run onto the field and I tap the posts with the shaft of my stick. I do the right post, the left post, and the top.

What is your favorite pre-game snack or meal?

– I like to have Gatorade and pretzels.

What are you most looking forward to as a college athlete?

– I am looking forward to meeting new people and playing lacrosse with them. I can tell already that these people are going to be my forever friends and I am so excited to meet my fellow 2022 GCU recruits!

Why did you feel that Georgian Court was the best fit for you as a student-athlete?

– One of the most important things in my life is my family. Family is the most important thing in my life and the location is perfect. I am able to stay home and be with my family and play at a competitive level with a competitive team. I also really liked the girls recruited in the class of 2022. They were really nice and I am so excited to meet them in person!

What advice do you have for those looking to play college sports?

– It takes a lot of time and commitment to play at the collegiate level. You need to balance academics, athletics, and personal life. Colleges look at athletes who are determined and never give up. Never give up because you never know if you have what it takes to become a college athlete.

What is the most challenging part of the college recruiting process?

– The most challenging part of the recruitment process was talking to the coaches and inviting them to see me play. Per NCAA D1 or D2 schools rules, you may not have contact with a coach as of September 1, 2020 [junior season]. Originally you were allowed to talk to coaches sooner, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, this rule was pushed past June and August and instead pushed to September. It was hard contacting coaches and them not writing back. You didn’t know if they even received your email! Another tough thing is that you had to send a lot of game footage to coaches, and they relied heavily on these videos. It’s difficult to find a recruit based on their strengths and not see any weaknesses. It was an extremely difficult process, but I was blessed to receive a great offer and verbally commit in March of my junior year.