X-Women cross country and track and field runner Natalie Kannenberg is the latest athlete featured in our Getting to Know your X-Women and X-Men series throughout the summer. Natalie recently completed her second year with the X-Women and is a Nursing student from Guelph, ON.
What brought you to StFX?
When I was applying for universities, I really had no idea where I wanted to go. I knew I wanted to take Nursing and run cross country and track and field so that helped to narrow down my choices. I applied to schools in Ontario and then my friend said she had applied to StFX. I looked into the programs they offered and it sounded like a perfect fit for me. I also got into contact with Bernie and after a few months of trying to make up my mind, I decided to attend StFX. This was by far the best decision I made!
What has been your best moment in a StFX uniform so far?
The best moment for me was last cross country season (2010) in Sherbrooke at the CIS championship. I ended up placing 9th overall and made 2nd team All-Canadian. The course was tough and pretty muddy but the feeling of finishing knowing that I gave it everything I had was amazing. What made this race even better was that every girl on our team gave it their all and we ended up placing in the top 10, a feat considering we were not ranked in the top 10 the entire season.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am most looking forward to meeting the new girls who will be joining us this year and building up to the CIS championship. We lost quite a few seniors this year, who I am definitely going to miss :) but it will be nice to see some fresh faces and some new strengths.
Who has been the most influential person in your life (and why)?
My family have been the most influential people in my life. It sometimes gets hard being so far away from home, but everyone supports me and they are always there to give me words of wisdom when things get tough. They have also taught me to never give up on myself and to keep going after my goals and aspirations.
One thing I cannot live without is…?
Trail mix, chocolate milk and my running shoes!
My dream vacation destination is…?
Greece...the scenery looks amazing!!!!
Tell us one thing that fans may not know about you?
I used to be a dancer from when I was about 4 until I was 17 (grade 11). I took Jazz and modern.
FAVORITES:
Past-time/hobby: snowboarding
Restaurant: Any place with good food!!
Book: Nineteen Minutes (Jodi Piccoult)
TV show: Friends, Grey's Anatomy, Glee
Movie: What About Bob?
Actor/Actress: David Schwimmer/ Rachel McAdams
Singer/Band: Keith Urban
Sport (other than your own): Soccer or hockey
Pro sports team: Don't really have one!!
Pro sports athlete: