LARAMIE, Wyo. – Born and raised in Laramie, Natalie Six never had to look far when choosing where to continue her diving career.
The University of Wyoming was never just a college choice for Six. It was home.
As the Cowgirl senior prepares for the Mountain West Conference Championships, Six is closing a chapter that began in the same town where she first learned to compete.
"I was really drawn to how close everyone was with each other," Six said of the tight-knit UW swimming & diving program. "And honestly the facilities were also such a blessing. The Fueling Station, the weight room – everything seemed super nice and put together.
"The coaches made it feel like it was such a privilege to be part of the team and that made me excited to get to represent the University."
Since arriving on campus, Six has built a reputation as a fierce competitor willing to do the extra work. Head diving coach Mark Murdock said that she was willing to do anything it took to improve.
"Natalie is tough, driven and focused on what she wants to do and is willing to put in the hard work, especially over these last couple of summers," Murdock said.
This season, Six was selected as one of the UW team captains, alongside Ellie Fritcher and Berkeley Christensen.
Not only does she have a strong work ethic, but Murdock said the leadership Six exhibits daily is one of her greatest strengths in maintaining the program's culture.
"As team culture goes, she's played a huge part," Murdock said. "At 6 a.m., she will have more energy than most people in a day. She's very excited and wants the team to thrive and be a cohesive unit. I think that's one reason it transferred well to her being a captain."
Six said that she loves being part of this team and living by the "Cowgirl Tough" mantra. Over four seasons, that mindset has become personal.
"Cowgirl Tough to me means giving 100% no matter how you feel," she said. "It's coming in with the mindset that you can make a difference in your training, but you can also make a difference with your teammates, too."
Six is preparing for her final MW meet where she will participate in the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform events.
"I feel really excited to compete one last time," Six said. "It's kind of bittersweet because I feel like this team has become such a big part of my life and they're all like family to me. So, it's sad that it's ending, but I'm excited to continue relationships with my teammates outside of the pool next."
As Six is preparing for life after diving, Murdock is also preparing for her absence on deck.
"We'll definitely miss most the energy that she brings," Murdock said. "I think as a team, they might not miss it at 6 a.m., but I know she's going to be really missed just because she does mean a lot to all of us."
For Six, her time at Wyoming has been only the start. She is exploring professional opportunities both in Laramie and around the country after graduation.
"It's just truly been the biggest blessing and having the opportunity to dive for the University has meant the world to me," Six said. "I would tell people to take every opportunity and really dive into it. Make the most of your college years, because it does go by fast."
Both swimming and diving events at the Credit Union 1 Mountain West Championships will be streamed on the Mountain West Network from February 18-21.
Stay up to date with Wyoming swim and dive by following @wyo_swimdive on X and @wyo_swim_dive on Instagram.
