Natasha Feshbach
Santa Barbara High’s Natasha Feshbach emerged as one of the top multi-event prep athletes in the country this spring, netting impressive results at invitational meets while winning Santa Barbara County titles in the long jump, the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles.
Her season culminated in late May at the Mt. SAC Multi-Events where Feshbach placed second in the heptathlon to national-leader Lyndsay Lopes. Feshbach’s personal-best score of 4,476 points at Mt. SAC ranks her third all-time in Santa Barbara County.
“It was pretty amazing. It was just a really nice way to end (the season),” Feshbach said.
Lopes, a senior, is headed to USC next season while Feshbach returns for her senior season as potentially the top high school heptathlete in the country. Her premier events are the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump. Goals for next season include a top finish at the Arcadia Invitational and qualifying for the State Meet in the long jump.
Feshbach trains year round for track & field. In the fall, it’s weight-lifting and running hills to build strength. In the late winter and spring, it’s skill development. She’s coached by Josh Priester, the head coach at Santa Barbara Track Club who works with some of the top American heptathletes in Barbara Nwaba and Lindsay Schwartz. Nwaba is currently ranked No. 15 in the world.
“They’re great people. I love to hang out with them, and just watching the way they train and be able to see their progressions is pretty amazing,” Feshbach said.
Running events in the heptathlon include the 100 hurdles, the 200-meter run and the 800 meter run. But her running stride in the long jump is also incredibly relevant.
“Getting your approach consistent is the way you make big jumps so it’s the most important part,” Feshbach said.
Find past High School Runners of the Month HERE
The High School Runner of the Month award recognizes local prep runners that exemplify the term “Student-Athlete” by demonstrating leadership, passion and excellence in high school athletics.
Thanks to Santa Barbara Running Company for making this award possible and for supporting local athletes.
