Before Natalie Heising became a force for Team USA and a record-setter at Penn State, she was a six-year-old on figure skates — trying to fit into something that didn’t quite feel like hers.

One day, she stepped off the ice, turned to her mom, and said the words that quietly set her future in motion: “I want to play hockey instead.”

She switched to the boys’ youth league. She kept up. Then she kept pushing. The rink became her second home, and the game quickly became her language.

Freshman Year: One Dream. One Tryout. One Heartbreaking Moment.

Like many young athletes, Natalie had a North Star — her goal was to make the U18 USA Women’s National Team in her freshman year of high school.

When she finally earned a chance to try out, she played like someone who wanted it more than anything. But when selections were posted… her name wasn’t there.

The coaches encouraged her: “You have potential. Keep working.” But potential doesn’t get you on a roster — work does.

And this was the moment that transformed Natalie. She didn’t quit. She recalibrated.

The Turning Point: Finding the Training System That Finally Challenged Her

In Minnesota’s hockey community, Coach Lance Pitlick was already a known name — NHL defenseman, respected trainer, and father to future NHL draft picks Rem and Rhett Pitlick.

Natalie had seen his work up close through her older brother’s team. She knew he wasn’t just running drills — he was building hockey players.

So she made a decision: She joined Online Hockey Training (OHT).

And from day one, everything changed.

Rebuilding Her Game With Structure, Pressure, and Precision

The OHT training wasn’t easy — because it wasn’t meant to be. Stickhandling patterns became harder. Vision drills were uncomfortable. Creativity was required, not optional.

Lance didn’t just teach skills; he taught Natalie how to think the game.

She replayed videos. She repeated drills until her legs shook. She practiced deception, puck control, and advanced fakes until they became automatic.

And the results started showing — fast.

Rising to the Elite League — and the Call She Would Never Forget

Natalie entered the Elite League — a battleground where Team USA scouts watched closely.

With improved stickhandling and newfound confidence, Natalie didn’t just fit in. She dominated. She became her team’s top scorer.

And then the phone rang.

Team USA wanted her back. This time, she didn’t just make the team — she made an impact.

Gold, Glory, and the Best Hockey of Her Life

Natalie represented the USA for two years, traveling to Canada and the Czech Republic.

She didn’t just play — she delivered.

• Two-time IIHF U18 World Champion (Gold)
• U.S. Player of the Game in the 2016 semifinal vs. Sweden
• Top Three USA Player of the Tournament in 2017

The kid who once missed the team had become one of its brightest stars.

Rewriting the Record Books at Penn State

When she arrived at Penn State, she didn’t want to join a strong program — she wanted to build one.

And she did.

• First player in school history with 20+ points in five straight seasons
• School record for most career points
• First Nittany Lion awarded three ALL-CHA First Team honors

Her consistency, skill, and IQ changed the direction of the entire program.

Passing the Torch: From Player to Coach

When Natalie left college, the PWHL did not yet exist. Professional women’s hockey was a dream without a clear home.

But her passion didn’t fade. Within two months of “retirement,” Natalie returned to the rink — as a coach.

Today she mentors girls U12A, giving young players the same opportunity she once wished existed for women.

Your Hockey Story Starts Now. What Will You Build?

Natalie’s transformation didn’t come from luck. It came from structure, resilience, and a training system that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

If you're ready to unlock your potential, start with the same training she trusted:

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