Former University of Richmond Swimmer and Women's Basketball coach, Natalie Lewis, who tragically passed away in a hot air balloon accident in May 2014, was recently profiled in Swimming World Magazine. The story was written by Rhode Island senior swimmer Kelsey Lynch. The following is an excerpt from the story with a link at the bottom to the entire story.

KINGSTON- Once in a while, if you’re extremely lucky, you will meet someone like Natalie Lewis. She graduated from the University of Richmond in 2011 with a degree in art history and a minor in elementary education. Lewis dedicated four years to Richmond’s Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Program.

On May 9, 2014, Lewis was killed in a hot air balloon accident in Virginia along with two others. She was the daughter of Patricia and Evan Lewis, with two siblings Evan Jr. and Caroline. Lewis was 24 years old. She was engaged to Michael Dougher.

Her teammates knew her as a proud resident of Buffalo, N.Y. Lewis attended Nardin Academy before studying at Richmond. She began swimming competitively before the age of 10 and continued swimming after her college graduation with a Masters team. After graduating, she worked as the director of basketball operations for Richmond’s basketball program.

Lewis was an exceptional swimmer, teammate, and friend.

Not just anyone could make a special connection with every person on their team- even those they did not train with. Not just anyone takes the time to hand-make cards to encourage others or just because they deserved a random card. Not just anyone dedicates their time to making sure everyone around them is happy and comfortable. Not just anyone is labeled the hardest worker by their coach and friends. And no, not just anyone could be an accomplished NCAA Division I swimmer, bringing light into the room (or the pool) each day.

Click here to read the full article “Natalie Lewis: “Relentless Positivity” Continues to Inspire A-10 Conference” on swimmingworldmagazine.com.