Phil Womble Award: Natalie Klapp

Natalie Klapp is an outstanding three-sport athlete at Dos Pueblos High.

But there’s more to her than hitting and digging a volleyball, or scoring goals in soccer, or sprinting down the track.

DP volleyball coach Todd Garrett explained as Klapp was being honored as the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award recipient at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Café.

“As I was reading the criteria for selecting a junior student-athlete for the award, I can see why the athletic director, the coaches and the counselors were supportive of Natalie as a recipient,” Garrett said. “It’s attributes like accountability, respect of teammates, opponents and officials, honesty, positive attitude, reliability, loyalty and sportsmanship that made it obvious that Natalie was deserving of this honor.”

Klapp is hard-hitting outside hitter for the DP volleyball team. She just completed her second season on the varsity

“She has the potential to be one of the best players in our town, and she’s putting in the effort every day to achieve that goal,” said Garrett.

Klapp is also a member of the school’s surf team. In the classroom, she carries a 3.6 GPA.

“It’s a huge honor, and I don’t take it lightly,” said Klapp of the award.

She is the daughter of Wayne and Julie Klapp.

Garrett said when reading about Phil Womble and his determination to live life to its fullest every day, he realized the Klapp does the same.

“When I see her on Mondays, she usually has some fun story about a hike, or a surf trip, getting lost somewhere, or doing something goofy. She has a real zest for adventure and life,” he said.

The coach noted that Klapp has traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica as part of a group that builds homes and helps people who are less fortunate.

“Phil Womble exemplifies the power of athletes to transform lives through fellowship, friendship and camaraderie found in sports,” Garrett said. “I think this award is a steppingstone for Natalie, who is well on her way to living up to those standards.”