Meet Adaptive Athlete: Natalie Vines

Natalie Vines was raised in Plano, Texas. Growing up, she excelled in competitive sports - basketball, soccer, and softball - while also pursuing music. These activities fueled her drive, built her athletic edge, and taught her the rewards of discipline and performance under pressure.

 

After graduating high school in 1989, Natalie earned a BA in Arts from Shepherd University and an MA in Business Management and Leadership from Webster University. She enlisted in the Army on June 2, 1992, serving until January 17, 2013, and rising to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). Her career spanned enlisted and NCO roles as a Combat Medic and band member with the 82nd Airborne Division (SGT), followed by service as a Communications (Signal) Officer in tactical airborne units, including the 2nd Infantry Division, 1st Signal Brigade, 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne), and 1st Cavalry Division. She deployed to Haiti in 1996 with the 82nd Airborne and twice to Iraq (2004–2005 with the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) and 2009–2010 with 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division).

 

Natalie sustained multiple combat-related injuries in Iraq (2005 and 2009), resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), severe migraines, seizures, cognitive disorders, and PTSD. Years of intense pain from combat trauma led to a diagnosis of severe Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, culminating in an above-knee amputation of her left leg on March 25, 2025, as a last-resort measure. Her most recent revision surgery in August 2025 addressed painful neuromas on the residual limb. Recovery continues through adaptive training and fitness, physical therapy, prosthetics care, and trauma-focused therapy with a psychologist. Physically, she has adapted to walking and exercising with a prosthetic; socially, she navigates adaptive devices and environments; mentally, the journey has built greater strength and rekindled a deep sense of purpose.

 

Today, Natalie is embracing a new chapter with determination and optimism. She is focused on becoming an adaptive athlete, inspiring others through her progress, and working towards her Personal Trainer Certification (NASM) - giving her renewed purpose in life. Physically, she is building muscle, training to compete in future Paralympic Games, re-learning to snowboard as an amputee, aiming to summit Mt. Elbert in Colorado, and targeting a 5K run. Mentally, she seeks better sleep, healthier coping skills, and restored self-confidence, channeling her resilience into consistent growth and a brighter, more empowered future.