Cerritos College multi-talented water sports athlete Natalie Peng has been named the state’s Athlete of the Month.
The Falcons’ athletic program has produced six athletes whom have been awarded with the California Community College Athletic Association Athlete of the Month accolade.
Although Peng has been successful at both swimming and water polo, she says she would prefer to pursue water polo as her primary sport when transferring to a university.
Peng enjoys the beach and body surfing in her spare time which makes perfect sense as to why her first choice for transferring would be UC Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is known for having one of the best beaches and surfing areas in the country.
A humble Peng made it clear that she is actually interested in just about any division 1 college that will accept her.
With her experience, accolades, work ethic and athletic ability, her first choice should be her next destination.
Peng has destroyed old Falcon records in swimming events of the 50 and 100-yard butterfly stroke relays.
In addition to her individual achievements, she has also a part of broken records in team events such as the 200 and 400-yard freestyle and medley races.
Peng’s primary influence on her swimming career has been her father, who pushed her and her siblings to not only swim at early ages but, to be the best possible.
Peng’s brother and sister were both members of the Falcon water polo team as well.
At the beginning of the season, Peng won the Waterman Pentathlon, beating 127 swimmers showing her competitive spirit and her father’s steady influence on her character in the water.
She is an All-American swimmer and First Team All South Coast Conference athlete, scoring 59 goals, which is seventh all time for one season.
Peng also keeps in shape to stay competitive, staying away from carbs, soda, and fried food and has a strict two-a-day workout consisting of cardio and light weight training.
Peng may be undecided on her major, but has a strong desire to find a career helping people who are in need, economically, mentally or physically.
One possibility is the Peace Corps.
Being only a freshman, Peng has time to progress and should have her choice of division 1 schools to attend next year.
