UW-Whitewater's
Natalie Kammer (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) was honored last week at the NCAA Championship as the recipient of the Women's Golf Coaches Association Kim Moore Spirit Award for Division III.
The award recognizes and honors a student-athlete or coach who exemplifies a great spirit toward the game of golf, a positive attitude on and off the golf course, is a role model for her team and demonstrates mental toughness in facing challenges.
Natalie was 16-years-old when she began experiencing shortness of breath while playing basketball. After numerous visits to doctors and test after test, she was diagnosed with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). According to the American Lung Association, CTEPH is a rare and progressive form of pulmonary hypertension caused when chronic pulmonary embolism, or blood clots, form scar-like tissue in the lung's arteries, blocking or narrowing the arteries.
Shortly after diagnosis, Natalie was med-flighted to San Diego, California for care under a specialized team of doctors and surgery to remove each of the clots. The procedure was successful, allowing Natalie to return to a semi-active lifestyle. Although high-impact activities like basketball and running were now off limits, golf was still allowed. Now, as a college student-athlete, Natalie may have to modify or refrain from specific workout activities, but she never misses a team workout.
Treatment of CTEPH includes numerous medications to be taken daily and additional procedures. Since the first surgery at 16, Natalie has undergone surgery to remove one of her ribs to make a Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) easier to perform -- the BPA is a procedure she has now had eight times including during this season.
In 2022, Natalie attended the Masters as part of the Make-A-Wish program. She is active in the organization and volunteers with Make-A-Wish monthly for fundraising and as a mentor. She also works at her hometown golf course, Koshkonong Mounds Country Club.
"She is a natural leader in many situations," said Head Coach
Andrea Wieland. "A no-drama type of person that often reminds her teammates that "it's just a round of golf"."
Now a junior at UW-Whitewater studying Business-Marketing, Natalie holds a 3.54 cumulative grade point average. She has competed in seven events for the Warhawks with an overall average of 91.2 and a personal best score of 84.
"It is rare to find a person as positive and patient as Natalie, especially after all she has gone through," added Wieland. "She is a bright, shining light who spreads happiness and positivity to everyone she meets."
