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DUBUQUE, Iowa – Natalie Baker will deny most anything – especially a soccer ball near the goal line.

The junior from Muscatine is having an outstanding season and stellar career for the University of Dubuque women’s soccer team.

“She’s been great at goal,” Dubuque head coach Jason Berna said. “She has the best goals against average in Dubuque history. She can be an all-conference performer if she keeps it up.”

The Spartans are 12-5 overall and 5-2 in the Iowa Conference. Baker has posted four shutouts this season in 17 games. She has 83 saves for an average of 4.88 saves per match and has allowed less than a goal per game at 0.72.

According to Berna, Baker holds the University of Dubuque record for shutouts and save percentage in a season and career.

“She is 49th in the nation in save percentage in goal,” Berna said, “which is impressive.”

Since coming to Dubuque, Baker has played in almost every game for the Spartans, something she didn’t think she would do right away.

“As a freshman, I didn’t expect a whole lot,” Baker said. “I was ready to train and work hard. It was one of those things. I thought I would ride the bench, work hard and play some. I kind of over-achieved.”

Berna, however, saw that Baker could be physical enough to start right away.

“Obviously, as a three-sport athlete in high school, I saw a ton of potential (in her),” Berna said. “When she focused solely on soccer, I knew she could get even better, and she’s delivered every season. She’s an outstanding goalie.”

But Baker is quick to credit her defense for her success.

“We have one of the best defenses,” Baker said. “Our defense helped out a lot – once the ball gets back there, they are under control and go from there.”

That said, Berna sees room for improvement with Baker.

“Every year, we find something for her to work on,” Berna said. “She’s never satisfied. She wants to be a better goalkeeper every year.”

Getting to know Natalie Baker

- School: University of Dubuque

- Sport: Soccer

- Hometown: Muscatine

- Parents: Kirk and Lori Baker

- Height: 5-foot-11

- Year: Junior

- Position: Goalkeeper

- Major: Business marketing