During her junior year of high school Natalie joined the U.S. national team full time. She trained two years for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and also went to school online during this time. It was a natural progression for her career, especially when asked to represent your country. She was ready for it and was one of the top scorers as the youngest player in the tournament.
She was playing women’s hockey at the highest level, and it was incredible as her former coach to be part of that journey. What an accomplishment to make Team USA, participate in the Olympics as a high school age player, and be one of the top players in the tournament. Natalie would go on to play at the Olympics twice more, in 2006 and 2010, and captain the at the 2010 Games. She played in many World Championships and several Four Nations Cups as well.
Natalie balanced her time with the U.S. national team with her career at the University of Minnesota from 2002-2005, winning the NCAA championship twice. Gophers hockey games were exciting to watch and inspiring to all ages, including young girls. Those in attendance were on the edge of their seats for many hockey moments. Natalie’s brand of hockey was growing as fast as the girl’s game was evolving and improving.
Natalie’s father, Scott, called me in June when it was announced that she would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. We reminisced about her hockey journey and of her days in youth, high school, college, Team USA, and the Hall of Fame honors. In 2018, I was very fortunate to have been able to attend her U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction in Nashville and also accepted her IIHF Hall of Fame 2024 award on her behalf in Prague, Czech Republic. However, know that these highest hockey accolades never are the reasons why Natalie played the game. She never looked for the spotlight, it just happened to find her, and she played for the pure love of the game.
To know that Natalie now will be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is sometimes hard to believe. It is difficult finding words to describe her achievements. What an incredible honor for a well-deserving woman. I also know that Natalie shares her hockey journey success with her parents, Scott and Nancy, the rest of their Darwitz family, and will truly enjoy this moment with her sons, Joseph and Zack.
Congratulations to Natalie and all those in the class of 2024, you are all extraordinary, and have accomplished above and beyond in this great game we love.
Always in your corner Natalie … Coach R.
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