Natalie Malette: Lacrosse and Nursing Star

By Anna Lawson

     Imagine being able to do your two favorite things everyday and feeling excited and prepared to do them. Senior Natalie Malette will be attending Shenandoah University next year and will play lacrosse, as well as study in the nursing program. Sounds stressful, right? Malette has used her four years of high school to help her practice balancing her time between lacrosse practices and games, school, a job, and friends and family.  

     Malette has played lacrosse since second grade, and has been on Glenelg’s Junior Varsity and Varsity team throughout her four years. She is most excited for the games and practices next year since they will allow her to play the sport that she loves and meet new people. In fact, lacrosse is how Malette ultimately decided on Shenandoah, which led to the finding of her roommate who will be on the team with her. Along with her passion for lacrosse, Malette aspires to become a nurse.

     A nursing degree has always been a dream of Malette’s. Her aunt is a nurse who inspired  
her to one day be a nurse, as well. She has always thought that “[her] aunt’s job is so cool. [She thinks she] will like being able to help people get better.” Shenandoah’s nursing program includes a study abroad trip in Guatemala where students will learn about health care overseas, have the chance to use their skills, and help sick people. Since she has “always loved caring for people” Malette is very excited for this trip and opportunity to get hands on experience.

​     Her kind hearted personality that attributed to her love of nursing is also what led her to a nannying job, and participation in allied soccer. She has been nannying three children for four years, with the oldest child only being six years old. Malette said that “the job is challenging at times, and at first it was difficult to manage my time between schoolwork, lacrosse, and nannying, but eventually I figured it out.” Malette’s favorite high school memory was helping with allied soccer during her Junior year. She said that, “Their faces lit up when they scored a goal and everyone was so sweet. They could always brighten my day.” Malette is kind and determined, and we can’t wait to see what the next four years will bring for her.

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