After a successful collegiate career, earning a bachelor’s degree at University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree at University of Miami, New York City native Natalija Marshall (Brooklyn and Queens) assessed her future. The Christ the King graduate contemplated whether she would follow a similar path as other alumnae of the illustrious Queens high school, like Tina Charles and Sue Bird, or go in another direction.
“I’ve had six knee surgeries,” said Marshall, who suffered a torn ACL in 2020. “I understand from all the expertise I learned at Notre Dame and Miami what helps my body … The trifecta is nutrition, fitness and sleep.”
Today, her focus is on fashion and styling as well as health and wellness. You can see content highlighting her workout routines and thoughtful food choices on social media, including Instagram (@natalijamarshall) and her website (natalijamarshall.com). Good nutrition was instilled in her from a young age by her mother, who would bring protein smoothies to games.
“[NIL] was a really great opportunity, especially for women’s basketball players because the game was growing so rapidly,” said Marshall. “I was always really interested in content, photography and videography. After I got to Miami, it picked up some more. Now, I’ve turned it into a career in tandem with modeling and styling.”
Signed with a modeling agency, she pursues various assignments while also building a career as a stylist. In addition to her own looks, you can see her creative vision this WNBA season in the tunnel fits of Washington Mystics player Sonia Citron, her former Notre Dame teammate and best friend.
“I had a Tumblr page (early social media platform) when I was in elementary school and I would put together outfits,” Marshall said. “That was what I thought I wanted to do before I found out I loved sports. It has always remained in my mind. Now, bringing that into fruition and having this vision creatively. I’ve had a couple of inquiries since that first outfit with Sonia. It’s been really great putting together outfits and looks and bringing Sonia outside of her comfort zone.”
Styling is not all about labels and spending big bucks. “I have and will always make amazing outfits from Old Navy, Target and Walmart,” said Marshall. “That’s cool when you see athletes be creative in where they’re getting their pieces from.”
One person she doesn’t normally style is her girlfriend Jewell Loyd, a three-time WNBA Champion, who currently plays for the Las Vegas Aces. “Jewell has her own stylist,” Marshall said. “This is the second season she’s with her. Their vibes match … A lot of Jewell’s clothes are oversized, so sometimes I wear her clothes.”
