Natalie Spala
@_nataliespala
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@7NewsDC sports anchor/reporter | @umich grad | retired college athlete | Instagram: nataliespala | livin' & learnin'
Joined July 2012
The #Commanders continue to get bigger in the trenches but it’s the story away from the field that we should all remember with this newest signing. Javon Kinlaw’s story is inspiring. And now he will call our nation’s capital home.
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#Commanders Frankie Luvu said he asked some of his teammates if they thought they'd make it this far in the season, days away from the NFC Championship. Their answer:
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How fun is this!. The @Capitals are giving away free lawn signs in honor of Alex Ovechkin’s chase of the NHL’s all-time goals record. Fans can pick up free Capitals Watching Gr8 Chase signs at the Medstar Capitals Iceplex and Capital One Arena Team Stores starting today at 11.
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Powerful. Kelly Alkhatib lost her 17-year-old son Jack earlier this year. He was an offensive lineman on Dutch Fork. His team has dedicated their season to him. Before kickoff, players came by to shake her hand and Gamecock coaches gave her a framed USC jersey with his number.
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"I could have went somewhere else, but I chose here for a reason.". Gabe Taylor. Easy to root for. The brother of Washington great Sean Taylor says he couldn't ask for anything better. Says he had to take a deep breath when he put the burgundy and gold on for the first time.
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1. #Commanders love them some playoff hockey. 2. Sam Hartman must be protected at all costs. #RaiseHail #ALLCAPS
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Saturday was the first time media could observe #Commanders rookie mini camp. There's a lot about this group to be excited about, especially CB Trey Amos. It didn't take long for the second-rounder to feel right at home with his new team.
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Life is funny. A year ago, you’re watching the NFL Draft on TV wondering if you’d ever have the chance to cover it. Yesterday, you wrap up two days of coverage from your hometown. It’s been the honor of a lifetime, Detroit! Draft #1 is going to be hard to beat.
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"It's all about competition." . #Commanders rookie linebacker Kain Medrano says he's still getting acclimated. He tells me he loves what's brewing here in Washington and is blessed to now be a part of it.
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#Commanders Terry McLaurin says the team's camaraderie and trust in one another has only grown since that Week 2 win over the Giants. The two teams meet again this weekend at MetLife.
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Confirmed: Kliff Kingsbury, not a beanie guy. Even in 40-degree temps.
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"I'm a man of God first. my number one job is to bring my 100% every single day." . Hokie nation knows him well. Welcome to Washington, Jaylin Lane.
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NEW: The Washington Commanders signed WR Chris Moore (#19) to the practice squad. After nine NFL seasons, he joins the team after starting the year in Arizona.
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#Commanders will retire Darrell Green's No. 28 jersey at halftime of this Sunday's game against Carolina. Asked players today for their thoughts on the Washington legend and what he continues to mean to the organization. @Commanders | @7NewsDC | #RaiseHail
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#Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels is your NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month. Simply put, his teammates aren't surprised but not because of what he's been able to show on Sundays. but because of the work he puts in every day of the week.
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"It's the best division in football.". #Commanders rookie TE Ben Sinnott is psyched to be a part of the New York-Washington rivalry. The team hosts the Giants on Sunday in its home opener.
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That feeling when the Commanders go get their blind side tackle of the future!. This is going to be fun… . @KingTunsil78 🤝 @JayD__5 .
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LISTEN: As a new guy in town, #Commanders SS Jeremy Chinn admits he has a different perspective when it come to the 'new vibe' surrounding the fanbase. He knows what this team means to the DMV and is proud to now be a part of it, adding he grew up a big Sean Taylor fan.
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GOOSEBUMPS. I have no words. Commanders win on the final play of the game. Commanders 18, Chicago 15. Jayden Daniels is HIM.
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The #Commanders are off until Monday. HC Dan Quinn is encouraging players to spend time away from football before locking in on Monday as Week One preps begin.
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This is pretty cool. #Commanders head coach Dan Quinn on the mic during the team’s first open training camp practice with fans. “You’re going to see a team you can be really proud of.”. #RaiseHail
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LISTEN: #Commanders Luke McCaffrey's love for the game of football is contagious. The rookie wide receiver says he feels zero pressure living up to the McCaffrey name and is ready to forge his own path. #RaiseHail @7NewsDC
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#Iowa Caitlin Clark on growth of women’s sports. “I think women’s basketball is in a really great place.”
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"We'll never forget who they were.". Former Wise High School Football Head Coach DaLawn Parrish spoke with me on the relationship shared between Khyree, AJ, and Isaiah. All three were sadly killed in an early morning car crash on Saturday. @7NewsDC
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#Commanders Luke McCaffrey is a man of the people. Spent a ton of time after practice giving love to the fans.
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"I don't have to act like a rookie just because I am a rookie.". #Commanders DB Mike Sainristil is mature beyond his (playing) years.
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who knew my 2025 happy accident would happen on day 3 of the new year!
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Late to the game but Happy #NGWSD2024! Getting to do the job I prayed for is the biggest privilege in the world. Forever grateful.
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#Commanders second-rounder Trey Amos and UDFA Gabe Taylor (brother of Washington great, Sean Taylor).
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LISTEN: Caught up with former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera at the @TheSolheimCup. Had the newest member of NFL Network put on his analyst hat and share his early thoughts on the 2024 Commanders.
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The #Commanders have looked a lot different than they did in the early weeks of the season. Sunday they head to the Meadowlands for a Week Two rematch with the Giants. @7NewsDC | #raisehail
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Signing off from FedEx Field one final time in 2023! . Here’s to hoping better days are on the horizon for Commanders fans.
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LISTEN: #Commanders Dyami Brown continues to show up. He has been proving his worth all camp and shined in this weekend's preseason opener against the Jets, reeling in a highlight-worthy, 42-yard snag from Jayden Daniels.
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Beyond excited to see the #Commanders bring back one of the best leaders in football Marcus Mariota. He’s a difference maker in the locker room & huge mentor to Jayden Daniels. Although next training camp I will make sure to put the camera down & receiving gloves on.
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Speed, communication, and tackling are among the things #Commanders coaches said weren’t good enough in Week 1. Those things are being emphasized in drills this week.
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#Commanders defensive line, putting in work today before their final preseason game against New England. Darryl Tapp brings the energy and demands it from players.
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"We're going to have great resiliency of who we are.". Tyler Biadasz was not a part of the #Commanders offense line struggles last season, but he knows there is added pressure on this group to improve this season, especially to protect rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. @7NewsDC
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How great is it that Sunday will be the #Commanders final *regular* season game and not the team’s final game of the season.
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This guy really made me an honorary Bonnies fan for life this weekend. Unreal energy.
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LISTEN: #Commanders rookie tight end Ben Sinnott's thoughts on his NFL (preseason) debut against the Jets.
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Here we go! . Couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter and to be joining such a talented group of journalists in D.C.!.
Congrats to client @_nataliespala on jumping to a top-10 market and becoming the Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter at @7NewsDC in Washington D.C. Natalie previously worked at WCIV (ABC) in Charleston, SC. #WashingtonDCTVNews .#WJLA.#SportsJournalist.#TeamCBK.
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Discussed .@WashMystics identity among other things with .@iamArielAtkins today. Safe to say no interview was safe on Media Day. We love the energy .@Theylove_kira!!
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#Commanders fans will see a lot of new at Commanders Field tonight, including speed markets!
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LISTEN: #Commanders DE KJ Henry on his level of comfortability from year one to year two. Says you can never be completely comfortable in this league, but he does have confidence in his game, especially heading into Sunday's preseason finale.
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Day 1 of Commanders training camp ✔.First live shot in my new home! ✔. I'm so thankful for the warm welcome I've received since moving to DC! I cannot wait to learn and grow as a journalist and continue to live this dream of mine. It is the privilege of a lifetime.
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What a moment. College of Charleston beats Colorado State 74-64 to advance to the finals of the Charleston Classic. They will face Virginia Tech on Sunday. Kelsey is becoming a frequent visitor in the student section (definitely don’t mind it)
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“Every game is a home game.”.#StBonaventure Holmes and Lofton praising the Bonnies faithful. Many drove 13 hours to be here.
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LISTEN: Final day of training camp means cut-down day is looming for the #Commanders. By Tuesday afternoon, 90 becomes 53. I asked TE Zach Ertz about what today's last practice meant: "All these tight ends. the bonds aren't just short-term bonds."
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@MasonMBB is on a tear! With just five games remaining in the regular season, the @atlantic10 leaders continue to win, and senior guard Jared Billups is a major reason why. The story behind his Captain America nickname:
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#Commanders practicing with black helmets today. They will rock the all-black uniforms for Sunday's final preseason game against the Patriots.
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LISTEN: #Commanders Brycen Tremayne is one of 13 wide receivers currently listed on the roster. The undrafted free agent has shown flashes during training camp and is fighting to be one of the final 53.
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CofC HAS DONE IT! FIRST CHARLESTON CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP WIN IN SCHOOL HISTORY!. FINAL: CofC 77, Virginia Tech 75.
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Super happy to announce that I will be working at Fox 2 News this summer as an intern in their sports department! 😊⚾️🏈🏀🏒.
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Structure vs. Chaos. The #Commanders have hired former 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters as the franchise's next GM. The move comes four days after Ron Rivera was let go as head coach. Appreciate @BenStandig helping shed some light on what this hire means for WSH.
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#Commanders fans out in full force for the first open practice of training camp. #RaiseHail @7NewsDC
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Don't call it a comeback?. No, that's exactly what this season is for #Commanders Jeremy Reaves. After playing just five games last year due to injury, he told me he is pissed (his words), and has been starving to get back on the field. Listen:
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From the BucDome. To the Big Dance. To the second round. Bob Richey. Soak it in.
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Officially playing basketball for the University of Michigan Dearborn 🏀💛💙.
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To say No. 1 Wake Forest lost in heartbreaking fashion in the #MCWS would be an understatement. Nonetheless, several players, including junior pitcher Camden Minacci, whose lone pitch proved to be the difference maker, took time to sign autographs for young fans. Sports.
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LISTEN: @WashSpirit Croix Bethune couldn't have scripted a better start to her pro career. - NWSL Rookie of the Month for March/April.- Invited to the USWNT’s upcoming camp as a training player .- Holds the NWSL and Spirit rookie record for assists in a season
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PSA from .@WashSpirit star Trinity Rodman!🎟. The Spirt host Bay FC in their home opener tomorrow at Audi Field at 7:30. @7NewsDC | .@trinity_rodman
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Check this out!. Ovi banners now hang from Union Station to celebrate #Gr8ness and the Great Eight's record-breaking goal. #ALLCAPS #895 @7NewsDC . 📸: @AdamVanceFL
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Busy Sunday night here in Washington. #Commanders hire Joe Whitt Jr. to lead the defense. This, after they hire Kliff Kingsbury to lead the offense. @7NewsDC | @LakeLewis | #HTTC
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Woot woot! Excited to get things going from Ashburn!.
Let the fun begin!. My 8th training camp covering the team. I don't take it for granted. I'm very, very fortunate. Give my new @7NewsDC teammate, @_nataliespala, a follow as well!. Our live reports from @Commanders training camp begin tonight!
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s/o to girls who leave alex their numbers & tip him extra well. thanks for paying for our nights out together sis 😙.
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I’m sorrrrrrry but I’m about 6 weeks removed from caring about this content.
Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes have their own celebration handshake now. 2023 is wild.
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We’re closing in on tip-off! Who are you riding with today: @IowaWBB or @GamecockWBB? . @MarchMadnessWBB | @7NewsDC
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if you're a male athlete, cherish tf out of it because female athletes will never get half of the support and fans that you have.
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Cue the tears!!! Couldn’t go back to Charleston without seeing one of my absolute favorite people. My heart is so full!.
Most apropos to get the old band back together after a 4 month hiatus at a HS basketball game (Our old office is gone, Buc’ees and Sheetz were a bit too far, and @_nataliespala just can’t get enough of the Beckham Bengals and Summerville Green Wave).
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It’s not official until you get your headshot taken. allegedly. Here’s to one month in Charleston! ☀️
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.@masonbball Kam Johnson is an easy guy to root for. From starting as a practice player on the women's team, to walking-on the men's team, to becoming a scholarship athlete. Storybook. #PatriotPressure | .@7NewsDC
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#Michigan Howard consoles #Tennessee freshman Kennedy Chandler. Bigger than basketball. Final: .Michigan 76, Tennessee 68
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LISTEN: #Commanders Chris Rodriguez Jr. is part of a competitive running back room. Says Sunday is a great opportunity to show what he's capable of, adding it would be amazing to be one of the 53 to make the roster.
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"City is buzzing right now. The Cougs got something special going, and I think it's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere on Sunday." Tonight marked another trip to the student section for CofC HC Kelsey after his team defeated Colorado St & advanced to Finals. His inspiration:
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14-1. 13 straight wins. Longest win streak in the country. My word.
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The best things come in pizza boxes. Thank you @WashSpirit for feeding our 7News sports office today! . Oh and these boxes… 😮💨 incredible.
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Find me someone who has had a better 48 hours than Washington Legend Darrell Green. Yesterday it was announced he will (finally) have his jersey retired, today he introduces a new face to the .@Commanders franchise.
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Remember when .@CofCBasketball hung with…and arguably had UNC on the ropes… for most of the game at TD Arena just a few short months ago?. Yeah, me too. #UNC is now playing for an NCAA championship title. Wild.
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CATHOLIC DOES IT!. Down 19 at one point to Roanoke. The Cards go on to win 95-91 in OT. @CatholicU_MBB is heading to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2001. #d3hoops.
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LISTEN: From a national champion, to a second-round draft pick, to a GIRL DAD. #Commanders Mike Sainristil has had an incredible year and welcomed baby girl Summer in June. Loved a lot about our conversation today at training camp, especially this. #RaiseHail #GoBlue @7NewsDC
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Don’t think I’ll be purchasing oatmeal squares anytime soon. Appreciate the honesty, Aldi.
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