Coach Natalie Puckett is entering her 9th year in public education.  Most recently Coach Puckett was the Head Coach for the 2022 Regional Semifinalist Team and the 2021 Lovejoy 5A State Champion Team. Previously, she served as the Varsity Assistant for the 2020 Volleyball State Championship team as well as in the LHS Math department teaching Algebra. She was also named to the 2020 AVCA 30 Under 30 list in 2020 that acknowledges 30 up-and-coming coaches under 30 years old. Prior, she held the position of Volleyball Varsity Assistant coach and Algebra teacher at Highland Park High School from 2018-20.  Additionally, she worked for Carroll ISD from 2016-18 at Dawson Middle School and Southlake Senior High while coaching and teaching in both Math and Special Education departments.

Natalie graduated from The University of Oklahoma (Boomer!) in 2015 with a BS in Education.  She furthered her education in 2019 with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.  She is a lifetime Leopard and graduated from Lovejoy in 2011. While at LHS, the best memories are of the team bringing home the first three volleyball state championships, the school spirit, student support, and community involvement. Natalie played club volleyball for 11 years for Storm, Victory, and TAV bringing home numerous tournament championships as well as a National Championship in 2010.

Coach Puckett’s family means the world to her. Natalie recently got engaged to be married to fiance, Caleb Bates, and looks forward to planning a wedding alongside teaching and coaching. In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with friends and family, cheering on Sooner sports, and time at Lake Texoma. Coach Puckett is ready and eager to make the 2023 volleyball season one of the best yet as the head coach of the Leopard Volleyball team. 

“Today, do what others won’t so tomorrow you can accomplish what others can’t.” — Simone Biles