12 Questions with Beach Volleyball's Natalie Robinson

Life is busy for the redshirt sophomore standout — on and off the sand. Not only is the Seattle native a double major in Political Science and Communications, but she is also the Pac-12’s representative to the national Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“This past summer we saw a lot of issues related to social justice, and the Pac-12 schools were very involved with making their voices heard both at their campuses and at the national level. So, when I have conversations with other national SAAC members and administrators, I definitely try to reflect the changes that Pac-12 schools and athletes bring up on their own campuses.”

“Just how many different interests there are in our country and how sometimes those interests can be competing. But sports are something that can really bring people together. So, I think that’s been cool to watch. ”

“I’ve actually decided to go to law school based on the combination of Political Science and Communications classes I’ve taken. Looking into the Constitution and local government structures, I’ve just realized how law can create change within a society. I think it’s interesting how different people use the law to do that. And now I’m heading to law school next year.”

“To appreciate the little things more. For me that was family, different connections with my friends, all the knowledge of being healthy and working out and eating right. It made me appreciate all the little things more. I live with my nine roommates …”

“Nine. I definitely appreciate that a lot more now. It’s great. They’re all in my bubble and we can hang out safely together.”

“That had always been my plan. I was recruited to play two years of indoor and then switch to fulltime beach. And that was partially based on roles they needed to fill my first two years. And then I loved beach volleyball and just wanted to try to improve in one rather than going back and forth.”

“How dynamic it is. You’re touching the ball every play. And there are endless scenarios for how you can score points. It’s really challenging but you can constantly be improving and I really enjoy that process.”

“No. 1, stay healthy. And then just really enjoy playing and to get better every practice and between every competition. If I can do that, I’ll be happy.”

“I’m really inspired by the people around me. Washington athletics is a really special place, and there’s a lot of really talented and ambitious people around—other athletes, staff—and I’m just really inspired just to be a Washington athlete and what that means. And on top of that I really like improving in all areas of my life, and when you see little changes happen, that inspires me to keep making improvements.”

“I had a lot of days off last summer, due to the pandemic, and I really got into hiking and backpacking. So, backpacking to a lake and then swimming and camping on my day off. ”

“That is what I don’t know. I’d like to work in public-interest law or I have a newfound interest in sports law, so I think with the new changes coming to the NCAA, potentially sports law.”

“That is a big question. I think the divisiveness in politics isn’t helping anyone right now. I think that people need to be able to understand other peoples’ perspectives, and then be willing to accept that big, institutional changes are needed to achieve equality. And even though things have been the way they are for a long time, that’s not good enough for a lot of people, and there’s going to need to be big changes, and it’s going to affect people’s lives, but it’s going to make the nation better.”