Natalie Cortese was a member of the Valpo bowling program in its inaugural season and starred for the team from 2009 to 2012.

A Second Team All-American as a sophomore in 2009-2010, Cortese was an Honorable Mention All-American in each of her final two seasons as well. She led the Crusaders as a senior in 2011-2012 as the program reached #1 in the NTCA Coaches poll – the first team in Valpo Athletics history to reach a #1 ranking nationally – and advanced to the NCAA Championship for the first time.

Cortese owns Valpo’s single-match (290) and career (197.8) scoring average records, and also holds three of the top-six single-season averages in program history – including a career-high 200.1 average as a junior in 2010-11, which ranks second in program history. She was a three-time Tournament MVP and a member of nine All-Tournament Teams over her three seasons with the Crusaders, capping her career by earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the 2012 NCAA Championship.