Guarding Goals, Protecting Systems: Embry-Riddle Soccer Star Excels in Cybersecurity

Natalia Sepulveda (’26) is known for her composure, discipline and ability to lead on the soccer field. As a defender and team leader for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott women’s soccer team, she protects her teammates with the same vigilance and foresight she brings to her studies in Cyber Intelligence and Security. Together, those traits have defined a comeback story rooted in resilience, purpose and belief.

Sepulveda is pursuing a Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security. In January 2026, she was named a first-team All-American by the United Soccer Coaches Association, helping lead Embry-Riddle to a national semifinal run and marking a historic milestone for the program.

A Journey Shaped by Resilience

Her path to that moment was anything but straightforward.

A first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sepulveda always knew she wanted to continue her education. With remaining athletic eligibility, she saw graduate school as both a second chance in soccer and a strategic step forward.

Sepulveda’s journey to Prescott included stops at other universities, where she competed at the Division I level and earned an invitation to train with the Mexico U-21 Women’s National Team. But her experience later took a difficult turn.

She faced challenges that led to self-doubt and a loss of passion for the sport she had played since age 10. She stepped away from soccer, unsure if she would ever return.

But the feeling that her story was unfinished stayed with her. 

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Sepulveda grew up playing soccer alongside athletes who chose Embry-Riddle, though she initially looked elsewhere while exploring her academic path.

“Something in my gut told me Embry-Riddle would be the perfect fit for soccer and school,” she said.

When Embry-Riddle Head Coach Todd Poitras reached out, the timing aligned. A visit to the Prescott Campus quickly confirmed her decision.

“It felt like it was meant to be the next step in my journey,” she said.

The graduate program in Cyber Intelligence and Security stood out immediately. With a background in criminal justice and a growing interest in how technology shapes investigations, the degree aligned with her defensive instincts on the field.

“We are emerging in a society that relies heavily on technology,” she said. “I felt like my background and this program could go hand in hand.”

Purpose Beyond the Game

That sense of belonging extended beyond athletics. Sepulveda found a supportive academic environment and a community that encouraged her to think bigger.

She previously worked as a mentor at a Boys & Girls Club, supporting teenagers navigating complex social and emotional challenges. The role proved transformative.

“A lot of kids are not given opportunities and resources,” she said. “Being a helping hand in their lives gave me a sense of purpose.”

That purpose continues to guide her approach in the Embry-Riddle classroom and beyond.

The 2025 season marked what Sepulveda describes as her “comeback.” Surrounded by teammates and coaches who supported and believed in her, she rediscovered her love for the game.

“I was just happy to be playing again and feeling like myself,” she said.

Discipline, Drive and Direction

Her All-American recognition was the culmination of that journey. Rather than focusing on accolades, she emphasized growth and gratitude.

“To receive first-team All-American — one of the highest honors in college soccer — after everything I’ve been through was surreal,” she said. “It meant more than just recognition. It represented trusting the process and having faith in myself.”

Balancing graduate-level academics, collegiate athletics and a part-time job requires discipline and adaptability.

“It takes sacrifice and time management,” she said. “There are times when you have to focus fully on school and soccer and other times when you can step back and enjoy the moment.”

As the first in her family to earn a college degree and pursue a master’s, she carries a strong sense of responsibility and pride.

“I remind myself why I started,” she said. “That keeps me going.”

Whether defending against a striker on the field or analyzing cybersecurity threats in the classroom, she approaches challenges with a growth mindset.

“Everything happens for a reason,” she said. “Even the difficult moments help shape who you become.”

At Embry-Riddle, she has found a foundation for her future, surrounded by driven peers and faculty.

“The environment here pushes you to think beyond average,” she said. “It prepares you to succeed.”

For future student-athletes, her advice is grounded in experience: believe in your ability to balance both roles, embrace dedication and never lose sight of the bigger picture.

“The ‘student’ always comes first,” she said. “Education is a privilege, and being a student-athlete means representing more than just yourself.”

Sepulveda’s journey reflects more than achievement. It is a story of perseverance, rediscovery and the courage to try again. On the soccer field and in the world of cyber intelligence, she is just getting started.