“By leaning on the strength of the people around me, I grow stronger every day—on and off the field.”

MY STORY

Hi, I’m Natsuki Murakami, a student-athlete from Oita, Japan, currently studying and playing soccer at Western Colorado University in the United States. My journey with soccer began when I was six years old, inspired by my older brother. With no girls' teams nearby, I spent my early years training and competing with boys. It was a challenge, but it helped shape my competitive spirit and love for the game.

At age 12, I joined the youth academy of the professional club Oita Trinita. Because the academy was far from home, my dad would drive me an hour each way just to attend practice once a week. On the other days, I continued training with the boys’ team in my town. That period taught me the value of dedication, sacrifice, and family support—lessons that still guide me today.

When I was 15, I moved six hours away from home to attend Sakuyo High School in Okayama. Living in a dorm, I focused on both academics and athletics, eventually ranking first in my class for all three years. After graduation, I enrolled at Kansai University, but soon felt a strong desire to explore the world, challenge myself even more, and meet people from different backgrounds.

That dream brought me to the U.S., where I transferred to Western Colorado University. I’ve now spent two years here, majoring in physical education with the goal of becoming a K–12 PE teacher. Alongside soccer, I’ve been working hard to improve my English, create vlogs, and grow as both a student and a person. My happiest moment so far has been coming to study abroad—it changed my life and gave me confidence in who I am becoming.

Beyond the field, I love visiting coffee shops, reading, being in nature, and of course—eating good food like cheesecake and natto! I believe in smiles, positivity, and leaning on the people around me when challenges arise. Whether I’m training, studying, or chasing new goals, I carry my childhood dream, my love for soccer, and my values with me every step of the way.

Why I came to the U.S.

I used to go to Kansai University, one of the well-known private universities in Japan. I had good friends, I was doing well in school and soccer, and honestly, life was pretty comfortable.

But at some point, I started thinking—Is this really enough for me? I wanted to push myself more, see a new world, and not let my college life end with just soccer.

So two years ago, I made the decision to leave Kansai University and come to the U.S.

Some people told me I was crazy to take that risk. But my family trusted me. They said, “If this is what you really want, go for it,” and supported me all the way.

Since then, I’ve seen places I’d never imagined, experienced new cultures, learned how to speak English, and met people who truly changed my life.

Looking back, I’m glad I listened to my gut. And I’m super thankful to my family and everyone who’s helped me since I got here.

My Core Values

“A smile is a universal language.”

This is a line from one of my favorite songs, and it perfectly captures what I believe. For me, a smile is one of my greatest strengths.

When I think about what I can do for others—what I can offer to the person in front of me—the first thing that comes to mind is a smile. It’s quick, it’s free, and anyone can give it.

Even when I couldn’t speak English, I was still able to connect with people through my smile. A smile can give others comfort, warmth, and energy.

So if you often find yourself with a serious or angry face, try smiling—it might just change everything.

“Choose a big failure over a boring life.”

This is what my mother told me when I was hesitating to go to the U.S. I didn’t have confidence in my English and couldn’t take that first step abroad. But these words pushed me forward. They mean that it’s better to take on something difficult and possibly fail than to live an ordinary, boring life without any challenges. 

“Opportunities only have bangs (forelocks).”

This is something one of my most respected professors told me. It means that opportunities don’t come to everyone, and they only come to those who are prepared. Even if you’re not sure whether you can do it, believe in yourself and try. When an opportunity comes, you must grab it immediately because once it passes by, you can’t catch it again. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap. 

“You can never show too much gratitude.”

This is another phrase my professor shared with me. I came to the U.S. barely able to speak English and was supported by my professors, classmates, and soccer teammates. Any success I’ve had in academics or soccer is thanks to the people around me. I’ve been saved so many times by the kindness of others here in America, and I feel deeply grateful to everyone. This phrase reminds me that it’s okay—even necessary—to express that gratitude again and again, even if it feels excessive.

“Don’t be a nice person—be a soccer player.”

My Italian coach told me this when I played semi-professionally in New York in the summer of 2024. I was shocked by how physically strong, bold, and intense American players were. After watching my playing style, he told me that being nice isn’t enough on the field. You need to be strong—not just a good person, but a real soccer player who can fight. Since then, I’ve kept those words in my mind every time I play. That advice pushed me to grow and level up as a soccer player.

“Keep doing the ordinary things until no one else can do them like you.”

This is something my coach in Japan always told me. I wasn’t the tallest or the fastest, but I practiced the basics—like dribbling and juggling—relentlessly until I became a player who could hold my own against stronger opponents.

I took the same approach with my studies. I focused on the fundamentals—memorizing vocabulary, reading aloud—and did them more than anyone else. I also made it a habit to smile, stay positive, read books, eat well, and get enough sleep.

I may not have any special talent, but by consistently doing the simple things with all my heart, I’ve made my dream come true: studying in the U.S. while playing the sport I love.