Natalie Pluskota
A dynamic American doubles specialist whose powerful net game and partnership savvy delivered a standout collegiate career and a pro title.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American tennis player·Birthday: November 2·Millennials
Biography
Natalie Pluskota's tennis story is one of partnership and precision, defined by her explosive play at the net. Hailing from Newnan, Georgia, she rose to prominence at the University of Tennessee, where she became one of the most decorated players in the program's history. Alongside partner Caitlin Whoriskey, she formed a dominant duo, reaching the NCAA doubles finals and earning All-American honors multiple times. Her aggressive style, built on a formidable serve and sharp volleys, translated to the professional circuit, where she focused primarily on doubles. While her pro career was shorter, it was punctuated by a significant WTA 125K series doubles title in 2013, proving her game could thrive at the highest levels. Post-tennis, she has channeled her competitive spirit into coaching.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Natalie was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Natalie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Natalie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a WTA 125K series doubles title in Dallas in 2013 with partner CoCo Vandeweghe.
- Reached the NCAA doubles championship final in 2010 as a University of Tennessee player.
- Earned ITA All-American honors in doubles three times during her collegiate career.
- Helped lead the University of Tennessee women's tennis team to the NCAA semifinals in 2010.
Did You Know?
She and partner Caitlin Whoriskey were the top-ranked collegiate doubles pair in the nation in 2010.
She won three Georgia state high school singles championships.
She served as a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Tennessee women's tennis team after her playing career.
“At the net, my job is simple: cut off the angles and put the ball away.”
