Natalia Zamora (‘26) from Gurnee, Ill. has made the most of her time at Drew, building a reputation as both a dependable tennis competitor and a dedicated scholar. As a member of the Rangers women’s tennis team, she has spent the past four years successfully balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with her academic passions.
Zamora has been a regular contributor in both singles and doubles throughout her career. Across multiple seasons, Zamora has helped anchor the Rangers lineup, contributing important points while bringing energy and leadership to the team.
Off the court, Zamora is an anthropology major with minors in African Studies and teaching. Her academic interests focus on understanding cultures and belief systems, which is why her favorite class at Drew has been Anthropology of Religion, a course she enjoys because it explores the purpose and influence of organized religion in societies around the world.
This semester, she is also student-teaching in Newark, gaining valuable classroom experience as she prepares for a future in education.
For Zamora, the best part of the student-athlete experience is the sense of community. She loves being part of a team and supporting other Drew athletic programs by attending games and matches across campus.
Balancing academics, athletics and teaching responsibilities requires discipline, but Zamora credits tennis with helping her succeed. “Being a student-athlete has helped me with time management,” she said.
As she finishes her senior year at Drew, Zamora leaves a lasting impact on the women’s tennis program, not only through her performances on the court but also through her commitment to learning, teaching and supporting her teammates. Her journey shows how the student-athlete experience can shape both a competitor and a future educator.
Gillian Sampson is a graduate student in the Masters of Education program.