LANCASTER, Pa. - The Atlantic East Conference is pleased to introduce the Alumni Spotlight Series, where it celebrates the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of former student-athletes who once proudly represented our member institutions. These individuals have continued in the athletics field, showcasing exceptional dedication, and bringing honor to both their alma maters and the league.  

Through hard work, resilience, and the values they cultivated during their time as student-athletes, our featured alumni continue to exemplify the core principles of the Atlantic East. Join us as we highlight their stories, share their accomplishments, and explore how their experiences as student-athletes helped shape their careers and communities. Our second spotlight recognizes 2023 graduate Natalie Garbalosa of Marymount University. 

Name: Natalie Garbalosa
Sport: Women's Volleyball
Graduation Year: 2023
Current Role: Fan Experience and Promotions Coordinator for the Washington Spirit 
After graduating from Marymount University in 2023, Natalie Garbalosa has pursued an exciting career path in professional sports. As the Fan Experience and Promotions Coordinator for the Washington Spirit, a major professional women's soccer team, she plays an important role in shaping the game day experience for fans. 

Describe your current job and your connection to sports?
My current role at the Washington Spirit is to coordinate our game day entertainment from anthem to halftime and our promotional giveaways.
Along with booking our entertainment I run our mascot program and our part-time Game Day staff, Spirit Crew as well!

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 
The most rewarding part of my job is all the preparation and long days that go into creating/planning a game day coming to fruition and seeing the fans engaged and excited to be there! We always say in our department, we can’t control what happens on the pitch but what we can control is how the fans experience goes! Win or lose we want anyone who walks into the stadium to have a great experience and come back.

Best memory at Marymount? 
There are so many to choose from, but I think winning the AEC conference in 2022 was a fun one!
 
How has mentorship influenced your transition into professional practice?
I am fortunate to have had such impactful mentors at my time at Marymount. The Sports and Hospitality Program is like no other and Professor Tim Bainton guided me to have a successful transition into the sports world! His belief in me and the many projects I participated in lead me to be more confident with this transition and the work I do today. He really has created something special at Marymount by providing students with the best resources possible to dive into this industry.

Can you describe a situation during your transition from college to a professional career where you felt challenged, and how did you handle it?
My transition from college to a professional career was an adjustment. Going from having a set schedule all 4 years and then entering a space where it’s a non-traditional work schedule. Adjusting to the long hours, working on weekends, and holidays were challenging.Being on an athletic team and the resources the school provided me set me up for success. I learned teamwork and how to communicate with others. This allowed me to achieve my goals and grow to be better prepared for this role.
 
What do you look back on most of your time at Marymount?
The friends and relationships I made! I am grateful to have been a part of the volleyball program and having a good academic experience.

Where do you see yourself in the future? 
I hope to see myself continuing my career in professional sports and being that positive light in everything I do. Women belong in sports and are excited to see the continued growth. I am honored to be a part of this growth!

Check back for the next installment of the Alumni Spotlight Feature as we continue to check in with others in the field of athletics.

Past Spotlights: 
Pratt Institute: Ava Hunwick

ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, Marymount University in Virginia, and Pratt Institute in New York. 
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