CHICO – Two years ago, Chico State volleyball coach Cody Hein asked Torey Thompson to replace Sable Villaescusa, one of the great setters in the program's history, and the transition was nearly seamless. Hein is now faced with selecting a successor to ace libero Emily Duran, and with high school standout Natalia Betancourt signing her National Letter of Intent to play for Chico State in 2015, Hein now has the luxury of having several options with which to fill one of the key positions in the 'Cats lineup.
 
The 5'5" Betancourt recently completed her prep career at Santiago High School in Corona – ironically, the same program that produced Duran four years earlier. As a senior, Betancourt collected 398 digs, averaging 4.7 digs per set, while also posting 24 service aces and 40 assists to help lead the Sharks to their third straight Big VIII League title, a trip to the 2014 CIF Division IA Southern Section championships and the state quarterfinals. For her efforts, Betancourt earned Second Team All-Area honors.
 
"We are excited about Natalia becoming a Wildcat," Hein said. "She combines excellent natural balance with strong fundamentals to play outstanding defensive volleyball. Natalia's proven to be a great teammate and expects to win – very important characteristics in becoming a champion. She should produce at a high level early in her career here."
 
Betancourt, a member of Santiago High's 2013 CIF Division II Southern Section title team, is a multiple All-Big VIII League selection and earned the league's Defensive Player of the Year award. She finished her prep career with 1,624 digs to set an Inland-area record.
 
Betancourt also excels in the classroom. She has been named four times to the Big VIII League All-Academic team.