Fresno State Athletics
Hartvich Spends Time With Denmark National Team
7/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Josh Mitchell
jomitchell@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. -- For three weeks this month, junior guard Natascha Hartvich was back home in Denmark. She wasn't just taking timing off away from basketball; she was training with the Danish senior national team.
One of the youngest players in the team's camp, Hartvich was competing for spots against other college players, professionals and former professionals, some up to 10 years older than her. Those first spots came in a Three Nations Tournament with Finland and Iceland.
"Being home and playing for your national team is first and foremost just such an honor," the Rungsted Kyst native said. "Having your country on the jersey and your name on the back gave me goosebumps. It's just a special feeling that I hope everyone gets to experience one day. Also being able to play in front of your best childhood friends and family, who don't get to see my play normally, that is just an amazing thing."
Hartvich's time with the team was cut short though as she was not chosen to compete in China in a Four Nations Tournament with China, Poland and the USA. Still, the experience she gained during those few weeks was something she won't forget.
"What I can take with me from this experience is that I got to play a little more. I regained some of my sharpness when it comes to game experience," Hartvich said. "I also got to play with different players, which gave me new inputs in areas on how to play, team dynamics, coaches and expectations. I learned a lot from the experienced players who have already played college basketball and professionally, and have handled the pressure, no matter who's in front of them."
"Be Bold" - Stay connected with the Bulldogs on Facebook (fresnostateathletics), Instagram (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics).
