Natasha competed for Des Moines Roosevelt High School in the 1980’s, graduating in 1985. While in high school “Tash” (as she is known) won 9 state medals, 4 Drake championships. She was Iowa’s all time leader in the 100 and 400, All-American Honorable mention 4 times, was homecoming queen and inducted into the Iowa High School Hall of Fame in 1986. Graduation from high school saw “Tash” enroll in the University of Missouri at Columbus. Some of her accomplishments are:
- Big 8 MVP 2 times.
- All-American 6 times.
- Set Big 8 400 record – 51.48.
- Big 8 female athlete of the year in 1989.
- The only American to have beaten Diane Dixon indoors in the 400 meters.
- Was the indoor 44 meter collegiate record holder from 1989-91.
- Ranked 10th in the world in 1990 in the 400 meters – personal best time of :50.42. 8. 3rd at the past U.S. Olympic trials in the 400.
- As a member of a 4 x 400 relay they placed: 1989 – Quad meet in England – Gold; University games in Germany – Gold 1990 – Goodwill games in Washington – Silver 1991 – PanAm games in Cuba – Gold; World championship in Japan – Silver 1992 – Olympic games – Silver What a pleasure to watch the Olympics and cheer for our own “Iowan”. On August 29, 1992 she married Brian Brown, a 4 year All-American high jumper and indoor NCAA champion. She received the key to the city of Des Moines in 1991.