Mustang Player Profile: Natalia Ackerman
12/8/2022 12:20:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Natalia Ackerman is a junior forward for the Cal Poly women's basketball team from Watsonville, Calif. She has started all seven games so far this season and leads the team in rebounding at 4.6 per game.
Q: After having to sit out last season due to injury, how gratifying has it been to be out there playing this year?
Natalia: Basketball is my world so having it taken away from me for a year gave me a whole new appreciation for the game. Every time I step on the court I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity back to prove myself.
Q: When did you first start playing basketball and who helped you develop your game?
Natalia: I started playing when I was in fifth grade and my dad helped me get better.
Q: If you weren't playing basketball, what other sport would you play?
Natalia: Volleyball
Q: What are things you like to do outside of basketball?
Natalia: Go to the beach and cook.
Q: Do you have any game day superstitions or rituals?
Natalia: I always eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every game.
Q: What is your dream job?
Natalia: Playing professionally overseas and owning a wellness/fitness center.
Q: You get one last meal, what are you eating?
Natalia: Pesto gnocchi and filet mignon
Q: If you could build your dream vacation, where are you going and what are you doing?
Natalia: Spain and eating at the best local restaurants
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people - alive or dead - who would it be?
Natalia: Tupac, Kobe Bryant, Larry David
Q: If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?
Natalia: I'd visit the 90's
Q: After having to sit out last season due to injury, how gratifying has it been to be out there playing this year?
Natalia: Basketball is my world so having it taken away from me for a year gave me a whole new appreciation for the game. Every time I step on the court I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity back to prove myself.
Q: When did you first start playing basketball and who helped you develop your game?
Natalia: I started playing when I was in fifth grade and my dad helped me get better.
Q: If you weren't playing basketball, what other sport would you play?
Natalia: Volleyball
Q: What are things you like to do outside of basketball?
Natalia: Go to the beach and cook.
Q: Do you have any game day superstitions or rituals?
Natalia: I always eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every game.
Q: What is your dream job?
Natalia: Playing professionally overseas and owning a wellness/fitness center.
Q: You get one last meal, what are you eating?
Natalia: Pesto gnocchi and filet mignon
Q: If you could build your dream vacation, where are you going and what are you doing?
Natalia: Spain and eating at the best local restaurants
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people - alive or dead - who would it be?
Natalia: Tupac, Kobe Bryant, Larry David
Q: If you had a time machine, what point in the past or future would you visit?
Natalia: I'd visit the 90's
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's BasketballCal Poly vs. Chapman, Women's Basketball Highlights -- Nov 24th, 2025
Tuesday, November 25
Cal Poly vs. UC Santa Cruz, Women's Basketball Highlights -- Nov 3rd, 2025
Tuesday, November 04
WBB Postgame Presser: Head Coach Shanele Stires - UC Santa Cruz (Nov. 3, 2025)
Tuesday, November 04
WBB Postgame Presser: Nora Perez & Vanessa McManus - UC Santa Cruz (Nov. 3, 2025)
Tuesday, November 04
