When Natalie Wang '28 arrived at the United States Naval Academy, she wasn't just joining a new team, she was helping build one. As the first-ever recruit for Navy's newly established varsity women's triathlon program, Wang is not only a foundational member but also its top competitor, quickly emerging as a leader in the sport and a role model for the Midshipmen who will follow in her footsteps.

While most collegiate triathletes transition into the sport after specializing in a single discipline, Wang took a reverse path. Her triathlon journey began long before she ever donned a high school sports uniform.

"Funny story, I actually did triathlons long before joining a high school sports team," Wang recalled. "After teaching me how to ride a bike, my dad put me on a youth triathlon team in my neighborhood. The rest is history."

That early start, combined with a deep background in cross-country, swimming, and track, in which she served as a three-season captain in high school, prepared Wang for the unique demands of collegiate triathlon. What started as a local hobby in San Diego quickly turned into national-level competition, with Wang competing in races across Nevada, Utah, and Ohio. Her early exposure to competitive cycling, particularly track and road racing, helped round out her triathlete skill set.

"I was raised in Southern California with a group of athletes that was so supportive, dedicated, and more than willing to share the love of cycling and triathlons," she said. "I enjoy staying in touch and sending updates to my old coaches and friends from over the years."

Despite her extensive background, Wang admits the transition to NCAA triathlon at Navy has not been without its challenges.

"This is the highest level of competition, the greatest volume of training, and the most responsibilities I've ever had, but I love it," she said. "Each time a specific problem in my life gets solved, I feel confident that I can handle more."

Her first year proved that confidence was well placed. As a plebe, Wang placed first in her debut at the Patriots Triathlon and posted the fastest Navy time at the NCAA Championships. That success didn't come easily. It required a relentless balancing act of academic pressure, military obligations, and intense athletic training.

"Balancing life in Bancroft, in classes, and in my sport was a challenge," Wang said. "But both in training and competition, I learned how to hold myself to higher standards. That mindset definitely helped me push my limits."

Coach Billy Edwards, the architect behind Navy's triathlon team, identified Wang early as the ideal athlete to build the program around. Still, Wang wasn't certain at first what joining a brand new varsity program would entail.

"Honestly, I was initially unsure, but hopeful," she said. "I knew most people wouldn't understand the triathlon community too well, but I also believed they'd someday discover how positive and meaningful it really is."

The timing couldn't have been better. After the isolation of the pandemic and a dwindling local triathlon scene, Wang had considered stepping away from the sport altogether. Navy's new program offered a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

"When I met Coach Billy and the 2024 team, I felt like I rediscovered a part of myself that was missing," Wang said. "Not only could I enjoy racing with a team again, but I could also contribute toward something that others might one day benefit from."

Now in its second year, the Navy triathlon team has evolved from concept to competitive force, thanks in large part to its team-first culture.

"Triathlon is much more team-oriented than most people realize," said Wang. "We train together twice a day, every day. Everyone contributes something to the team and everyone is there to help each other out."

With the 2025 season underway, Navy women's triathlon just captured their first collegiate cup victory in program history at the Duquesne Collegiate Cup in Beaver Falls, Pa.

"This is a big win for the triathlon program and I am so happy with the team's level of execution today," said Navy head coach Billy Edwards. "This was a huge field and our first championship distance event this year (750m/20km/5km). A young squad with three freshmen and two sophomores in our scoring five is about as good as you can get when it comes to thinking about current successes and future potential."

Now, Wang and her teammates are focused on qualifying a scoring group of five athletes for the NCAA National Championship in Tempe, Ariz. this November.

"With how reliable our coaching staff is, I'm confident we can do it," Wang said. "Personally, I want to improve my ranking from last year and help my teammates score in the top ten of Division I teams."

That mindset of steady improvement extends beyond the race course. A chemistry major, Wang also has her sights set on commissioning into the Navy's Medical Corps—but she's not ruling out the Marine Corps, either.

"The officers from these communities are some of the most inspiring and dedicated people I've met," she said. "The only thing I want is to pay their service forward."

Whether she's racing through transitions in the Hall or helping transition a new program into the varsity spotlight, Natalie Wang is proving the Navy triathlon team's future is in very capable hands.