An Ocala high school senior who maintains a 4.7 grade point average and holds several track records has accepted an offer to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she will compete in Division 1 track events as part of Team Army.
Natalie Nelson, a senior at West Port High School, was appointed and accepted her offer to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Since stepping onto campus in her freshman year, Nelson’s coach, Assistant Principal Terrell Davis, says the young woman has been a natural leader. Over the years, that leadership has manifested itself in the form of being a peer mentor and tutor to underclassmen in track and field.
A 3-time Adidas American, Nelson holds the West Port High School records in the 1600m, 800m, and 4x800m races. She finished in 3rd place in the 800m at the 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Track and Field Championships. She is also a 3-time Nike Indoor Nationals Qualifier in the 800m.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Nelson is also gifted academically, maintaining a 4.7 GPA.
West Point is situated about 50 miles north of New York City in the state of New York.
Founded in 1802, the academy is the oldest of the five American service academies. Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress.
Nelson joins several other students who have made Marion County proud with their accomplishments this year.
That includes two high school seniors who recently received full-ride scholarships to Ivy League institutions, as well as several students nominated for National Merit Honors Scholarships.
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