Rosina Natter has a full schedule, as the Thomas Jefferson junior successfully manages academics, athletics and a fledgling modeling career.
Rosina competes in three jumping events in the Thomas Jefferson girls' track and field program, qualifying for the WPIAL Class AA championships in the high jump as a freshman and sophomore.
She maintains a 4.0 GPA despite a rigorous course load that includes two advanced placement classes. In addition, Rosina began modeling with a local agency and recently qualified for a six-day “modeling cruise” to Mexico.
“Rosina is a remarkable young lady, on and off the track,” said Amy Wroblewski, head coach of the Thomas Jefferson track and field program.
“She is a conscientious, determined and hard-working athlete. She has had a tremendous amount of success already and remains humble. Not only that, she takes constructive criticism very well and works diligently to improve her skill, technique and athleticism.”
Rosina admits juggling her homework, modeling and track practice can be difficult at times.
“Time management is the most important thing. I try to plan ahead as much as possible,” she said.
Rosina has wanted to model for a long time, but wasn't sure how to get started.
After researching reputable local agencies, she started taking classes at Barbizon Modeling and Acting Center in Green Tree about a year ago.
Since then, Rosina has participated in various modeling jobs, and recently was selected to go on the cruise to Mexico.
It was a working vacation for the 16-year-old Rosina, who was chaperoned by her mother, Rose.
“It was a lot of work. It wasn't like we were sitting by the pool all day,” Rose said. “(Rosina) was doing runway shows, acting and competing in a lot of different areas.”
Approximately 3,000 people were on board, including models and agents. The cruise provided models with opportunities to make contacts and showcase abilities.
“It was an amazing experience,” Rosina said. “This was a big step toward my goal of modeling. I just know now that if I have a dream, I should go after it.”
Since returning from the cruise, the talented student-athlete has received a few offers from agents who want to represent her exclusively.
“It's a big decision,” Rose said. “So we're carefully weighing the options.”
Rosina has been offered two modeling contracts since the cruise.
But one of her main focuses at this time is the outdoor track and field season.
Rosina's personal-best performance in the high jump is 5 feet, 1 inch, and she hopes to improve on that height in the spring season.
“I just love the high jump, I guess because that's my best event,” she said. “If you're good at something, I think it's just more enjoyable.”
Rosina, whose brothers Bruno and Angelo compete in football for Mercyhurst and the United States Military Academy, started competing in track and field as a middle-school student.
She says her initial motivation was for social benefits. But she soon discovered a knack for the high jump.
At 5-feet-9, Rosina says her long legs make the event a natural fit.
She competes in all three jumping events — high, long and triple — with the high jump being her favorite.
“She is capable of big things: improving her placements at the big invitationals, (at the) WPIAL championships and, hopefully, continuing on to the PIAA championship meet,” Wroblewski said. “I am looking forward to watching her development as an athlete and leader this season. She will excel in a leadership role by providing direction, focus and a positive attitude.”
With her modeling career heating up, Rosina decided to skip the indoor track season and focus on preparing for the outdoor season — in between her modeling jobs and homework duties, of course.
“I really want to jump over 5-1,” Rosina said. “I know I can do it.”
Jennifer Goga is a freelance writer.
