Natalie Jean Padilla was born in San Diego, California on May 8, 1986. She is the daughter of Charlie and Leslie Padilla. She has two younger sisters, Becky and Jamie. She competed for SCEGA gymnastics under Kathy Strate, Tim Garrison and Meredith Paelicivic during her club career.

In 1998, Natalie competed as a level eight. She finished first all-around at Regionals. In 2000, Natalie competed as a level nine. She finished second on floor and fifth all-around at the State Championships. In 2002, she began competing as a level ten. She finished second on bars at Regionals in 2003. Natalie competed level ten again in 2004. She won the State Uneven Bars Title. She finished fourth all-around and third on floor at the State Championships as well. She did not do all-around at Regionals.

Natalie began attending the University of Iowa in the fall of 2004. She competed in the all-around during her freshman season. She was three vault titles. Natalie had a season-ending injury at Michigan. In 2006, she competed on bars at every meet. After her sophomore season, Natalie transferred to UCLA. She stepped in unexpectedly for Ariana Berlin on floor and beam at Alabama. She competed on bars at the last seven meets. She competed on vault in four of the first five meets.

In 2008, she was a regular competitor on vault setting a career-high of 9.9 at Arizona. She also earned her floor career-high at that meet. She finished second on vault twice against Cal and Arizona. Natalie competed on floor five times and bars once. She was an honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic selection.

Fast Facts Name: Natalie Padilla Birthday: May 8, 1986 Club: SCEGA College: UCLA UCLA

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS UCLA Gymnastics Team Member 2004: Level 10 State UB Champion 2001: Level 9 State Champion

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