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June 4, 2025
From the hardwood to the net: Natalie Foster’s rise to pro volleyball
When Natalie Foster first stepped onto a volleyball court at age of 12, it wasn’t with dreams of professional stardom. Playing basketball since the age of six and coming from a basketball-centric family in Mattawan, Michigan, volleyball was unfamiliar territory - a sport she picked up out of curiosity, not ambition.
“I honestly thought I was going to be a basketball player like my parents,” Foster says with a laugh. “Volleyball wasn’t even on my radar until middle school. But something about it just clicked - the game, the newness, the opportunity to challenge myself. I fell in love fast.”
That spark ignited a journey that would take Foster from the gymnasiums of small-town Michigan to the highest levels of collegiate volleyball - and eventually to the national stage.
In 2024, Foster was selected 14th overall in the second round of the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) Draft by the Orlando Valkyries. One year later, she helped lead the Valkyries to a historic championship, defeating the Indy Ignite 3-1 on May 11, 2025 to win the 2025 Bic Soleil PVF title - marking Orlando’s second professional volleyball championship to date.
“It still feels surreal,” Foster admits. “I never imagined that this is where volleyball would take me. I’m so grateful.”
Basketball Roots, Volleyball Future
Foster grew up in a household steeped in athletic tradition. Her father, David, played basketball at Siena College. Her mother, Heidi, played both basketball and volleyball at Michigan Technological University. Her brother Nolan currently plays college basketball at Marian University.
“I was dribbling before I could walk,” Foster jokes. “Everyone in my family played basketball, so that was just the expectation.”
But once she picked up volleyball, it was clear she had a rare talent, especially as a middle blocker. At Mattawan High School, she compiled 1,698 kills, 224 aces and 226 blocks across 457 career sets. Her dominant performances earned her second team all-state honors and multiple all- conference selections.
Still, Foster admits that going pro wasn’t something she thought was realistic.
“It wasn’t until college that I even realized pro volleyball was a thing you could aim for,” she says. “I owe a lot to my coaches for helping me network and mentioning pro volleyball is a possibility.”
A Record-Breaking College Career
After starting her collegiate career at Wichita State, Foster quickly made a name for herself as one of the nation’s most efficient middle blockers. In her sophomore year, she posted a .382 hitting percentage and averaged over three kills per set, earning AVCA All-Region honors and First Team All-AAC. She repeated those honors in her junior season while leading the American Athletic Conference in hitting percentage (.413) and setting a new career high with 126 blocks.
“Every year, I felt like I was unlocking a new part of my game,” Foster says. “I learned all the things a middle can do, how to communicate better and how to bring consistency to my play.”
Her graduate transfer year at SMU cemented her legacy. In 2024, Foster shattered the program’s single-season record for aces with 64 - more than she had in all four previous collegiate seasons combined. She also led the team in hitting percentage (.360) and averaged over a block per set, her highest career average.
Draft Day Dreams
On draft day, Foster waited nervously with her family, watching as names were called. When her name appeared at pick No. 14 with the Orlando Valkyries, Round 2 - tears flowed freely.
“I just remember being drafted to Orlando and knowing it was the best place to be,” Foster recalls. “Everything I worked felt worth it in that moment.”
Foster’s versatility and strong presence at the net helped the Orlando Valkyries finish with one of the top records in the league. In the championship match against Indy Ignite, she played a key role in the Valkyries’ 3-1 victory, bringing Orlando its second PVF title and cementing her place in the franchise’s young history.
More Than an Athlete
Off the court, Foster is grounded in her love for family, nature and personal growth. She enjoys walks, nature and hiking - activities that allow her to reflect and stay connected to herself.
“It’s easy to get caught up in your identity as just an athlete,” she says. “But I’ve learned that there’s so much more to life. Volleyball is a huge part of who I am, but it’s not all of me.”
At the age of 23, she often advises young athletes about resilience, the importance of academics and that it’s okay to “start later.” “I didn’t start volleyball until I was 12 and I didn’t really understand what it could be until college. So, I always say it’s never too late. If you love it, go after it.”
Foster graduated from Wichita State with a degree in Health Science and completed her master’s in management at SMU, balancing a demanding athletic schedule with academic excellence. She was named to multiple all-academic teams throughout her career.
Looking Ahead
As she looks forward to her second season with the Valkyries, Foster is focused on staying healthy, growing her game and helping Orlando defend its Title.
“The work doesn’t stop after a championship,” she says. “If anything, it gets harder. But I love the challenge.”
Natalie Foster didn’t start with a volleyball dream, but she’s living one now. And with a championship ring, a record-setting college career and a heart set on making a difference, she’s just getting started.
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