From the runway to the record books, Nataly Walters made every jump count.

One of the most decorated athletes in Palmerton — and area — history, Walters capped her high school career with two more PIAA medals and left a legacy that stretches far beyond the runway.

The senior earned a silver medal in the Class 3A triple jump and finished fifth in the long jump, competing in Pennsylvania’s largest classification after previously dominating in 2A. Walters ends her career with eight state medals, including three state titles — long jump in 2023 and 2024, and triple jump in 2023.

“She always wanted to compete in ways that were best for the team,” said head coach Mike Gombert. “Her competitiveness and desire to succeed are second to none.”

Walters holds school records in the 100, 200, 4x100 relay, long jump and triple jump, and owns District 11 meet records in both 2A and 3A triple jump — a rare feat – as well as 2A long jump. She also shattered Colonial League meet records this spring in the long jump, triple jump and 400 relay.

Her impact went far beyond numbers.

“Those were medals I spent hours in the gym working for, hours on the track working for,” said Walters. “It’s kind of amazing to just pick up that bag and be like, ‘Wow, it’s kind of heavy.’ These were earned. None of them came easy.”

She brought all of them to her final Times News interview — a visual reminder of four years of growth, setbacks and success as Walters earned her third straight TN/Lehigh Valley Health Network Female Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

“Some had a bit of a sour taste at the time,” she said. “But now I look at all of them with pride. Even on a bad day, I still got a medal. That’s something I’m grateful for.”

She broke through quickly in 2022, qualifying for states in four events and placing seventh in the long jump as a freshman.

“I didn’t even know what to expect,” she said. “I just wanted to make the postseason. Then I made it to states in four events. It didn’t seem real. But just being there lit a fire in me. I saw those older girls winning and thought, ‘I want that.’”

She continued to build, winning two state golds as a sophomore and returning to the podium each year after. Over her final three seasons, she medaled in both jumps at states each time — consistency few athletes ever achieve.

Jump coach Jim Hay said Walters’ ability and work ethic were unmatched.

“She’s been a college-level jumper for years,” said Hay. “Everything she does is intentional. She listens, she prepares, and then she goes out and performs. You don’t need to know her name. You’ll know who she is as soon as you watch her jump.”

Hay said watching her compete became a highlight of every meet.

“You never knew if it was going to be a league record, district record, stadium record — she made something possible every time out,” he said. “She was a must-watch athlete.”

Walters also embraced new challenges as a senior, trying javelin, hurdles and high jump — while continuing to lead in jumps and relays.

“I think what makes me a good athlete is that I’m a good listener,” she said. “I take coaching seriously and I want to do things the right way. I love learning something new and challenging myself.”

That mindset helped fuel one of the best relay teams in school history.

“I think I run better in relays because I want to do well for the other girls,” Walters said. “We were so close. We pushed each other and had fun at the same time.”

She also credited her parents — both former track athletes — and her teammates, coaches and community for being in her corner every step of the way.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she said. “They’ve sacrificed a lot for me. Whether it was training, travel, or just support, I always knew they were behind me.”

The community support left a lasting impact.

“Every year except my freshman year, I came home from states to a fire truck ride through town,” she said. “People would come out and clap, even if they didn’t know me. That’s what makes Palmerton so special. It’s a small town, but it’s full of big support.”

Now, Walters is preparing for the next chapter — a Division I career at the University of North Florida, where she’ll compete in track and field while taking on a full academic load. Walters plans to study a rigorous academic schedule that includes multiple lab sciences, balancing both her athletic and academic goals as she transitions to college life.

“I’m going in with no expectations,” she said. “This is my test year. I’ll figure out what works, learn and grow — and then set some goals.”

Her advice to her younger self?

“Trust the process,” said Walters. “It’s going to happen the way it’s meant to happen.”

For Hay, Walters’ accomplishments will live on — not just in the records, but in the memories.

“I’ll always remember the numbers,” he said, “but more than anything, I’ll remember her smile. For everything she did as an athlete, she was an even better person.”