Natalie Sako (2018) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Natalie Sako

Induction:
2018
Class:
2007

2004-07
High Jumper

10510

A four-time All-American in the high jump, Natalie Sako earned All-American (2005, 2006, 2007) honors three times during the indoor season and once during the outdoor season (2006). Twice she was the MAC high jump champion (2007, 2008 outdoor). A three-time All-MAC honoree, Sako owns the No. 4 indoor high jump mark and the No. 3 outdoor high jump mark in program history. In 2005, she placed sixth at the NCAA Indoor Championships. The three-time MAC outdoor champion (2005, 2006, 2007), Sako earned a bronze medal competing for Team USA at the 2006 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletic Association Under-23 Championships. She was the named team’s Newcomer of the Year in 2004.

Sako finished her fashion merchandising degree in the fall of 2007 and served as a student assistant for the track team during her final semester.

After graduation she wanted to get back into the fitness world and became a AFAA and NASM certified person trainer for three years. After that she switched careers to utilize her degree and now has worked in retail management and store operations for eight years. Sako resides in Strongsville, Ohio.

“The University of Akron was a very diverse place. Going to a school with a diverse student body helped prepare me to interact with people of other backgrounds and interests, which I didn’t really experience until college. Our track team alone had people from all over the state, country and even from overseas. Our team really was a melting pot but also felt like a family. Also, as a former athlete, the qualities of hard work, discipline, and self-confidence were necessary for success just as they are for me today in the work place and as a wife and mother.”