By: Andrew Jacob
Name: Natalie Donaldson
Nickname: Nat
Hometown: DeWitt, MI
Grad Year: 2025
GPA: 3.98
Travel Team: TN Mojo 2025 - Gregory
High School: DeWitt High School
Positions: Outfield/Right-Handed Pitcher
Height: 5’ 5”
Bat/Throw: Bat - Left, Throw - Right
Pitching Arsenal w/Speeds
Fastball: 63-65
Screwball: 60-62
Curve: 62-64
Rise: 63-65
Change: 48-50
Overhand Velocity: 62
Exit Velocity off Tee: 72-74 (topped out at 79 twice)
Home to First or 20 yds: 2.63
Intended Study Major: Sports Medicine
Email: natdonaldson23@gmail.com
Twitter: @Natdonaldson23
Instagram: nataliedonaldson03
Who is Natalie Donaldson?
I’m highly competitive. Absolutely hate losing. Somewhat of a perfectionist, always looking for ways to get better. I’m a social person with high energy.
Many have said that Natalie is a natural leader and an ideal team player
How did your softball journey begin?
My dad coached my brother’s baseball team when I was young so I was always around the ball fields. Just loved the game from a young age, and had good role models to get me started. It was my main focus from about 6-7 years old.
Natalie power slapping during a high school game
What are your greatest strengths as a softball player?
Probably my ability to match speed and power. I try to play aggressive and those skills have helped me play to a high level.
“Natalie is an elite level player that has a gritty mindset that will take her far in softball. She has pure strength that helps her be fundamentally sound through her swing and slap. She is a true triple threat with elite speed, great hand eye coordination and pure power. She is very coachable and eager to always get better while holding herself to a standard of excellence. She has a bright future and will help any program on and off the field.”
--- McKenzie Long, Hitting Instructor, Director of Softball Operations Turn’in2 Softball, Michigan State University softball alumna
Natalie with McKenzie Long, her hitting instructor
What kind of hitter are you and what are your most recent offensive stats?
I try to be a true triple threat, with the ability to bunt, slap (a variety) and swing away. I transitioned to hitting left handed when I was 11 and my instructors made a point to have me develop all aspects of hitting. It’s a lot of work trying to be effective at all those hitting skills but it’s made me versatile as an offensive player.
16U Fall Hitting Statistics (20 Games):
Avg: .549
OBP: .647
2B: 6
3B: 4
HR: 2
Runs: 28
Stolen Bases: 8
“I have had the ability to watch Natalie over the past two years. Natalie has chosen to join our team this coming season and we’re extremely excited. Natalie is a very versatile athlete with tons of speed. She is a lefty slapper/power slapper that reads a defense extremely well and has a very high on base percentage. When on the base path she causes havoc.”
--- Nick Gregory, Head Coach, TN Mojo 2025
Natalie is a legitimate Triple Threat Slapper
Describe your leadership style and what characteristics do you find in outstanding leaders?
I’m not a loud outspoken person. I usually try and lead by example. I try to play at an elite level and hope my teammates will follow. I will tend to follow people who play at a high level and are successful with what they do. If I respect their game then I’d look at them as a leader.
Natalie and her DeWitt High School teammates/friends (District Title Champs)
You’re obviously very busy with so many activities and events in your life. How do you balance your life and manage your time so effectively?
Most weeks I have my practice and training schedule for each day. I know each day what time my practice and training will be. From there I can get my schoolwork done, spend time with my friends and whatever else I need/ want to do. I have to be organized, especially in the fall and winter, with all the traveling. Homework in the car or on a plane is pretty common. I try and keep my schedule pretty consistent from week to week to be sure I stay on top of everything.
Natalie with Emma Day after a tournament win in Mississippi
Describe your game day mental preparation and your thought process and mindset in the circle and/or the batter's box.
I really just try and focus on little things. Whether it’s pitching or hitting, I just try and focus on small things that can bring me big results. My instructors always tell me when it’s game time just go out and play, trust your practice and preparation and just go play.
Natalie is a softball unicorn ... 5-Tool Triple Threat Slapper & Right-Handed Pitcher
What is your favorite sports memory and greatest achievement?
That’s a tough question. My teams have won a lot of tournaments so those are always special. Hitting my first home run at PGF Nationals a couple years ago and my first grand slam this fall all come to mind.
District Champions - DeWitt High School
How do you handle adversity and even failure?
Softball is filled with failure. Even when you do everything exactly how you want, you might not get the result you want. It’s never easy but if I struggle or fail I try to learn from it. Try to make adjustments and keep pushing forward.
How would your teammates and friends describe you?
They would say I’m funny and energetic. We have a lot of fun together. I’ve been really lucky to have had great teammates and so many close friends.
Having fun with teammates
Who is your role-model and or idol and why?
This is a tough one. I try and take pieces of a lot of players I watch and see. If I had to narrow it down I could give you two Kami Kortokrax from Ohio State and Jayda Coleman from Oklahoma.
Jayda is someone I can model my game after. She plays fast and explosive with speed and power. Her energy level is so high you just get caught up in it. (Twitter: jaydac00 and TikTok: jayda.coleman10)
Kami is someone that I’ve gotten to spend some time with and talk to both on and off the field. Not only is she a terrific player but she’s a great person. She has such great energy and just a genuine personality. She always seems to be having fun and is so giving with her time. I hope at some point I’m able to give back to younger players and have an impact the way she has. (TikTok: @kamikortokrax)
Natalie with Kami Kortokrax
If you could spend a day with any softball player, former or current, who would it be and why?
So many great players to choose from. I’d probably take Sierra and Sydney Romero. Both played college softball at the highest level. And both have had great success in the game after they left college.
Sierra being at Michigan, I always looked up to her.
Sydney’s success at Oklahoma and beyond that with coaching is really impressive.
I feel like I could learn so much from them. Probably wouldn’t be much they haven’t encountered and dealt with over their careers.
What is your softball dream/goal?
My goal is to play college softball at the highest level. Be in a positive culture with great teammates and coaches. I want to find a home, be part of a program and get a quality education. In my dream, my team would have the opportunity to play in Oklahoma City at the World Series.
Dominating Pitcher
Describe your perfect softball team.
It would be a team with highly talented players. Teammates that pushed each other to get better. We’d enjoy being together and playing together. We’d be committed to winning and leave the program better than we found it.
TN Mojo 2025 - Gregory
When deciding on what college team to play for what are the most important things you’re looking for?
There is so much that goes into this. Top of the list would be my coaches and future teammates. I’d want to be in a positive culture with a good support system. Academics would be very important to me. I want to be sure I get a good foundation for the next phase of my life. My dad tells me when I find “my people” I’ll know.
"Natalie had an immediate impact on our team the moment she joined our program. As our lead-off hitter, she led our team in average, on base percentage, hits, and consistently pressured the defense with her speed and power slap ability. Defensively, she elevated our outfield with her intensity and athleticism to track down every ball. Overall, she is a leader, teammate, and competitor and would be an asset to any college program."
--- Adam Nolen, DeWitt High SchoolVarsity Softball Coach
What gets you hyped or ready before a game?
Listen to music and stay consistent with my routine.
Natalie with Jaci Gary, her former teammate and close friend
What is your favorite jersey number and why did you choose it?
I’ve had two primary numbers. I started with #8. My first instructor was Andrea (Harrison) Gasso. Andrea wore #8 for part of her time at UCLA so I’ve worn that quite a bit.
Natalie with Andrea (Harrison) Gasso
I’ve worn #23 also. Jessica (Beech) Bograkos has been one of my instructors for several years and has been with me through plenty of ups and downs. She wore #23 while she was playing at Michigan State.
What other hobbies do you have to balance out softball and your personal life?
I do like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. I cook and bake quite a variety bit. I try and spend time with my friends and family as much as I can in my spare time.
Natalie with Hannah Simko, former teammate and close friend
Who would you like to thank for your softball achievements and support?
First and foremost I’d thank my parents. They take me all over the country and we have a lot of fun traveling. They have always been supportive and provide me with whatever I need. I’ve had great coaches throughout the Mojo organization and high school. My instructors have been the best I could ask for. I’ve been lucky to have such a strong support system.
Donaldson family
Addition Information About Natalie
Walk up Song: The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Song: Heading South by Zach Bryan
Favorite Music Artist: Morgan Wallen
Favorite Sports Celebrity: Tom Brady
Favorite TV Show: Outer Banks
Favorite Book: The Selection
Favorite Travel Spot: Hawaii
Favorite Quote: Philippians 4:13
Natalie Donaldson
Legacy & Legends Softball, Andrew Jacob, February 18, 2023
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