Vixen Senior Spotlight: Natalie Cutchin

CAMERON ADAMS
Sports information director

Natalie Cutchin

Natalie Cutchin, a history major with an archaeology minor, is a three-year varsity letter winner in volleyball and a two-year letter winner in softball. Natalie will graduate from Sweet Briar in May after just three years at the College.

How have you managed to graduate in three years while playing two varsity sports?
Cutchin brought 12 AP credits from high school, took eight summer courses and also carried 17-18 credits every semester. “I am a perfectionist, hard core,” she said, adding that staying incredibly busy helps her get everything done. “It just works for me.”

What has been you favorite class at Sweet Briar?
Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing with Professor Ashbrook in the fall of her freshman year. “The subject matter is something you don’t learn about every day,” she said, adding that she was the only first-year in the 300-level class. “It was intimidating, but I liked the intimidation factor.”

Who in the Sweet Briar community has impacted you the most?
Professor Laufenberg. “She is very supportive and has been key in keeping me focused,” Cutchin said.

Also softball coaches Tony Campbell and Mike Jennings and volleyball coach Beth Huus. “Tony and Mike have kept me grounded, Beth has kept me focused,” she said.

What are your plans after graduation?
Cutchin plans to take a year off to make money and then go to medical school to study pediatric oncology and hematology. “I have wanted to be a pediatric doctor since I was five,” she said.

What has been the best part about being a student-athlete at Sweet Briar?
Cutchin likes to travel and playing sports is a good way to get off campus. “Traveling to other schools makes you aware that there are other things out there,” she said.

She also enjoys the bonds she has formed with her teammates.

What have you gained from playing sports?
A sense of confidence. “Sports have taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and succeed,” she said.

What is you favorite night at Prothro?
Breakfast night, Cutchin said. “I’m an omelet person.”

What is your favorite place on campus?
Monument Hill. “I don’t go up there a lot but I love the view,” she said. “That is the first place I take someone when they visit campus.”

When you think back on your time at Sweet Briar, what will stick out?
Cutchin will remember the closeness of the community and the president’s house, which she has visited numerous times. “To me, that is what makes Sweet Briar what it is,” she said.

How would you describe Sweet Briar to a prospective student?
“A pink bubble, in a good way. It is probably my favorite place on earth,” she said, adding that she tells people it’s the most gorgeous place you’ll see, the people are friendly and you get a great education.