Sportzwire Athlete of the Week: Dallas Junior Julia Natitus Excels on the Track and in the Classroom
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | March 12, 2026 | Photo courtesy Team Photo
Sportzwire Athlete of the Week, Sponsored by Envy Electrical
For Dallas High School junior Julia Natitus, track and field has become far more than just a sport—it’s a passion that began somewhat unexpectedly and has grown into a record-breaking career.
Natitus didn’t grow up heavily involved in sports. When she started middle school, she decided to try something new and joined the track team.
“I wasn’t really into sports much before that,” she said.
At the time, she had been playing soccer and was known for her speed on the field, but track quickly became the place where she truly found her stride. During the first week of middle school practice, the team was missing a hurdler. Natitus, who had a background in gymnastics, volunteered to try the event.
That decision changed everything.
“I volunteered for the hurdles because of my gymnastics background, and I really loved it,” she said.
Although she played soccer in middle school, Natitus made the decision to step away from the sport when she entered high school so she could focus entirely on track and field.
Today, hurdles remain her specialty. Her main events include the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, and the 4x400-meter relay, while she also runs the 400 meters indoors to stay in shape since the 300-meter hurdles are not part of the indoor season.
Before her track career began, Natitus stayed active in other ways as well.
“When I was younger I rode horses and did gymnastics,” she said.
Those early athletic experiences helped shape the coordination and strength that now serve her well on the track.
A Career Filled With Championships
Natitus quickly made a name for herself once she reached the high school level.
As a freshman, she captured Wyoming Valley Conference titles in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and 4x400 relay. She followed that performance with a strong showing at districts, placing second in the 100 hurdles, fourth in the 300 hurdles, and helping the 4x400 relay team win a district championship.
Her sophomore season was even more impressive. Natitus was crowned WVC champion in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200 meters, and 4x400 relay. At districts she dominated, winning first place in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 400 meters, and the 4x400 relay.
That success carried over to the state level. During the indoor season she placed eighth in the 60-meter hurdles at Indoor States, and in the outdoor state championships she finished fourth in the 100-meter hurdles and fifth in the 300-meter hurdles.
This past indoor season, Natitus continued to raise the bar, winning first place in the 60-meter hurdles.
Record-Breaking Speed
Natitus’ performances have also rewritten the Dallas record books.
She holds school records in multiple events, including:
100-meter hurdles: 14.32
300-meter hurdles: 42.91
400 meters: 56.56
400-meter hurdles 1:01.31
4x400 relay: 3:57.56 (also a district record)
Indoors, she owns several additional school marks:
60-meter hurdles: 8.44
55-meter hurdles: 8.06
400 meters: 56.86
200 meters: 25.32
Support System Behind the Success
Natitus credits much of her success to the people around her.
“I think my family has helped me get this far,” she said. “My parents always support me and take me to all the meets.”
She also expressed appreciation for the coaches and mentors who have guided her development.
“Coach Rad has always looks out for me. He helped me train for nationals, always staying late and helps me prepare for indoors. He takes time out of his own schedule to help,” Natitus said. “Matt (Flanagan) has always helped me too. He’s always there to give me good advice and help with weight and speed training.”
Excelling Beyond the Track
Natitus is just as accomplished in the classroom and in her school community.
She maintains High Honors academically and serves as Secretary of the National Honor Society as well as Secretary of the Student Council.
Through National Honor Society, she also dedicates time to community service. Her volunteer work includes tutoring students, helping at school sporting events, and assisting at the elementary school.
Ready for the Outdoor Season
With another outdoor track season approaching, Natitus is eager to get back on the track.
“I’m looking forward to the outdoor season and the warm weather,” she said. “I’m excited to race and compete, and I’ve set some high goals for myself.”
If her past performances are any indication, those goals could lead to even more championships—and perhaps a few more records—for the Dallas junior who discovered her love for hurdles simply by volunteering to try something new.
Each week, Sportzwire recognizes outstanding local athletes, and this week’s Athlete of the Week is sponsored by Envy Electrical, whose support helps highlight the dedication and achievements of student-athletes in our community.
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