Natalie grew up in a loving family in California. Her parents, Garry and Maria Coughlin, encouraged her to try many sports, but she really loved swimming! π¬
At just 6 years old, she joined a swim team! Natalie attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied psychology and swam for the college team. She was super successful, breaking many records while balancing her studies. π
She graduated in 2005, showing that education is important too!