Natalia Newsome is the latest athlete to go viral thanks to a jaw-dropping vertical leap. The SMU volleyball standout is being talked about well outside her sport, with fans wondering if her athleticism could translate to basketball. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Natalia Newsome? Meet SMU’s Viral Volleyball Star
Natalia Newsome is a middle blocker for Southern Methodist University’s volleyball team. She joined the Mustangs in 2023 after a standout career at Arlington Martin High School and Texas Image Volleyball Club. Her commitment was announced as part of SMU’s 2024 signing class.
Born in January 2006, Newsome is still in the early stages of her college career but has already caught attention for her size, athleticism, and raw power at the net.
How Tall Is Natalia Newsome and What Position Does She Play?
Newsome is listed at 5 feet 11 inches and plays middle blocker, a position that demands quick reactions, strong blocking, and explosive leaping ability. She fits the role with her combination of height and athletic traits.
Natalia Newsome’s Vertical Jump: The 40-Inch Leap That Went Viral
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Clips circulating on social media highlight Newsome’s reported 40-inch vertical jump. To put that into perspective, that’s more than a foot above the rim of an NBA hoop. Very few male or female athletes at any level can touch that number, which explains why her highlight reel spread so quickly.
Her leap gives her a clear edge in volleyball, allowing her to dominate at the net. But it also sparked a bigger question: could she excel in basketball with that kind of explosiveness?
Does Natalia Newsome Play Basketball?
As of now, Newsome is strictly a volleyball player. She does not appear on any SMU basketball rosters, and her athletic background is focused entirely on volleyball through high school and club play.
While she may shoot around recreationally, there’s no evidence she has competed in organized basketball at the college level.
Could We See Natalia Newsome Suit Up for SMU Basketball?
The viral videos led fans to speculate if SMU’s basketball program might be interested. A 5’11” athlete with a 40-inch vertical would be a strong addition to almost any basketball roster.
However, a crossover would be complicated. Volleyball and basketball seasons overlap, making it nearly impossible to balance both. NCAA compliance and scholarship considerations would also come into play. For her to pursue basketball seriously, she would likely need to step away from volleyball.
Still, the speculation is understandable. Her tools are rare, and basketball coaches across the country would love that kind of athleticism on the floor.
What Makes Natalia Newsome Such a Unique Athlete at SMU?
Few players combine volleyball skills with world-class jumping ability like Newsome. Her vertical is what first captured attention, but her impact for SMU volleyball comes from her ability to close space at the net, deliver powerful hits, and give her team a defensive anchor in the middle.
She may never touch a basketball court in an official game, but her viral leap has already put her name on the map. If she keeps developing at SMU, Newsome could be a name to watch not just in college volleyball, but as one of the most athletic women in college sports today.
