For Tuesdays with Toyota, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature on USATF.org and our social media channels. Here is our feature with USATF athlete Natalie Pearson, a proud member of the USATF Nebraska Association out of Central City, NE. Why are you a member of USATF? I joined when I was 9 years old competing in summer Junior Olympic meets. I continued competing through high school and college. I even had the opportunity to represent Team USA at the U20 Pan American Games. After college I focused my attention on my professional career and spent some time away from the sport (outside of spectating). I got involved again when a co-worker's daughter asked for help learning how to pole vault and I realized there weren't many opportunities for track and field involvement outside of school teams in our area. I rejoined as an adult member after my husband, and I started a local track club. We are thrilled to pass on our love for track and field to today's youth. What is your "why"? I grew up loving track and field and am passionate about passing on this love to young people in particular. I think it is fun and enjoy teaching others to see the fun in a sport that doesn't always get the glory it deserves. I am also a Physician Assistant and believe developing a love of track and field sets a strong foundation for healthy habits throughout your life. What is something that helps you focus while you train? "Is what I am doing today getting me closer to my goal?" My college coach Kris Grimes used to give us a motivational quote each week of training and this one has stayed with me over time. It applies in all areas of life, and I believe is applicable to both athletes and coaches. How has USATF impacted you? USATF has given me so many opportunities. Participating in USATF meets allowed me to develop my skills and competitive spirit as well as the opportunity to see many parts of the country and other parts of the world. I was fortunate to make many friends who also participated in USATF events and have loved following those who have gone on to have successful careers in professional track and field. Outside USATF how do you spend your time? I am a family practice Physician Assistant in rural Nebraska and therefore spend most of my time working with patients both in our primary care clinic as well as the Emergency Department and Hospital. I volunteer as a coach at our local middle school while my husband coaches at the high school. We enjoy fishing, traveling, and spending time with our 2 dogs as well as our nieces and nephews. What is your favorite USATF memory? Winning JO Nationals and setting the Young Women's National Pole Vault Record in my home state in 2008. Is there an athlete or person who inspired you to join the sport? Most simply, my mom. She was an amazing track athlete who ended up playing basketball in college, but started taking my sisters and I to local track meets when we were as young as 5-6 years old. From there it just stuck. But even more important, she and my dad (and luckily my gymnastics coaches) encouraged me to continue to participate in track and field even as I was a competitive level 10 gymnast. I never missed a summer of track and field; so, when injuries and burn out ended my gymnastic career, I still had another sport in which I found success and ultimately led to so many amazing opportunities.