Natalie Spala Biography: WJLA-TV’s New Sports Anchor and Reporter
Natalie Spala is a sports journalist currently working as a Sports Anchor and Reporter for WJLA-TV (ABC 7) in Arlington, Virginia, serving the Washington D.C. area. She joined the station in July 2023.
Before WJLA-TV:
- Prior to moving to the D.C. market, Natalie worked as a Weekend Sports/News Anchor/Reporter at WCIV (ABC) in Charleston, South Carolina. During her time there, she covered a range of sports, including the College of Charleston men’s basketball team’s run in the NCAA Tournament.
- She also regularly covered the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks.
- Natalie played a significant role in co-anchoring WCIV’s coverage of the Credit One Tennis Open for two years.
- Sinclair Broadcast Group selected her as a sideline reporter for the South Carolina High School State Championship Football games and a color analyst for the basketball championships.
- ESPN+ also chose her as a dugout reporter for the 2023 Southern Conference Baseball Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
- Before her time in Charleston, she also covered sports in Traverse City, although specific details about her role there aren’t widely available.
Educational and Athletic Background:
- Natalie is a native of the Detroit area.
- She graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Screen Studies.
- She was a scholar-athlete at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she had a successful four-year career as a member of the Wolverines basketball team. She played guard and was recognized as the team’s Most Valuable Player in her junior and senior high school seasons. She also earned an MHSAA Scholar-Athlete nomination and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Livonia Churchill High School.
- During college, she interned with the sports department at WJBK (FOX) in Detroit, Michigan.
Current Role at WJLA-TV:
- As a Sports Anchor and Reporter for WJLA-TV, Natalie covers various sports stories in the Washington D.C. region, including professional teams like the Washington Commanders and the Washington Nationals.
- She also reports on local college and high school sports.
- Her work includes on-location reporting, conducting interviews with athletes and coaches, and providing analysis.
Personal Interests:
- Outside of work, Natalie enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with friends.
Age
Natalie Spala was born on October 10, 1997, making her 26 years old as of 2025. She holds American nationality, and her ethnicity is Caucasian.
Her zodiac sign is Libra, known for its traits of balance, harmony, and fairness.
Natalie Spala’s Upbringing and Early Life
Natalie Spala was born to James and Shelley Spala and raised in Metro Detroit, Michigan. However, there is no detailed public information about her siblings.
Growing up, she developed a strong passion for sports, which was evident from an early age.
She attended Livonia Churchill High School, where she played four years of high school basketball, earning three varsity letters.
During her junior and senior seasons, she was named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Her dedication to both academics and athletics was recognized when she was nominated for the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete award and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
After high school, Natalie continued her education and athletic career at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
She was a four-year member of the women’s college basketball team, further honing her skills and deepening her love for sports.
Her experiences as a student-athlete played a significant role in shaping her career path, leading her to pursue a profession in sports journalism.
Natalie’s early life in Michigan, combined with her academic and athletic achievements, laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in sports reporting.
Her journey from a high school basketball star to a respected sports reporter is a testament to her hard work, passion, and dedication.
Career and Background
Natalie Spala began her career in journalism with a focus on sports reporting. She gained recognition for her strong reporting skills and in-depth knowledge of sports events.
She began her broadcast journey at WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan.
After two years, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked as a sports and news anchor/reporter.
In July 2023, she joined WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., as a sports reporter.
At WJLA, she has become a prominent figure in the sports division, providing coverage that includes professional, collegiate, and local sports.
Her passion for sports journalism is evident in her detailed and engaging reporting.
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WPBN-TV (NBC) in Traverse City, Michigan:
Natalie began her broadcasting career here, working as a news and sports anchor/reporter. Traverse City, known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” remains one of her favorite places.
During her time at WPBN-TV, she honed her skills in storytelling and sports coverage, laying the foundation for her future roles.
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WCIV (ABC) in Charleston, South Carolina:
Natalie moved south to Charleston, where she served as a weekend sports and news anchor/reporter.
She covered a variety of sports events, including the College of Charleston’s historic NCAA basketball tournament run.
She also worked as a sideline reporter for high school state championship games and contributed to coverage of the Credit One Tennis Open.
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WJBK (FOX) in Detroit, Michigan:
While attending the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Natalie interned with the sports department at WJBK.
This experience allowed her to gain valuable insights into sports journalism and further develop her passion for the field.
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WJLA-TV (ABC) in Washington, D.C.:
Natalie joined WJLA-TV in July 2023 as a sports anchor and reporter.
In this role, she covers a wide range of sports stories and events in the Washington, D.C. area.
She enjoys exploring the city and engaging with the local sports community.
Natalie Spala has covered a variety of memorable stories during her time at WJLA-TV. Here are a few highlights:
- College of Charleston’s NCAA Run: As mentioned earlier, Natalie covered the College of Charleston’s historic journey to the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, capturing the excitement and dedication of the team and its fans.
- Washington Capitals’ Stanley Cup Victory: Natalie reported on the Washington Capitals’ first-ever Stanley Cup win in 2018, a monumental event for the team and its supporters.
- Local High School Sports: She has also been known for her in-depth coverage of local high school sports, highlighting the achievements and stories of young athletes in the community.
- Special Olympics: Natalie has covered events related to the Special Olympics, showcasing the inspiring stories of athletes overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.
- Community Impact Stories: She often focuses on stories that highlight the positive impact of sports on the community, such as local charity events and initiatives led by athletes and sports organizations.
Her coverage not only brought attention to the team’s achievements but also emphasized the importance of perseverance and community spirit in sports.
This story resonated with many viewers and demonstrated Natalie’s ability to connect with her audience on a deeper level.
Here are some notable news anchors, reporters, and meteorologists who work alongside Natalie Spala at 7News:
News Anchors
- Scott Thuman: An experienced anchor known for his in-depth political reporting.
- Michelle Marsh: A prominent anchor who covers a wide range of news stories.
- Adrianna Hopkins: Another key anchor who brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Meteorologists
- Veronica Johnson: The Chief Meteorologist who provides detailed weather forecasts.
- Eileen Whelan: The Morning Meteorologist known for her engaging weather updates.
- Brian van de Graaff: A Senior Meteorologist and GMW Lifestyle Host.
Reporters
- Scott Abraham: The Sports Director who covers major sports events.
- Lisa Fletcher: An Investigative Reporter known for her in-depth investigations.
- John Gonzalez: A versatile reporter covering various news stories.
Net Worth and Salary
How Does Natalie Make Her Money?
Natalie Spala earns her income primarily through her role as a sports reporter at WJLA-TV.
Her work involves covering a wide range of sports events, providing in-depth analysis, and reporting on local and national sports stories. Her average salary is estimated to be around $78,867 per year.
Is Natalie Spala Married?
There is no publicly available information confirming whether Natalie Spala is married. She keeps her personal life private, and no details about her relationship status are mentioned in her professional profiles or social media.
How Old Is Natalie Spala?
Natalie Spala was born on October 10, 1997, making her 26 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Natalie Spala Working?
Yes, Natalie Spala is still working at WJLA-TV. She joined 7News in July 2023 as a Sports Reporter.
Natalie covers a wide range of sports events and enjoys exploring Washington D.C. in her spare time.
She continues to cover sports events and provide in-depth analysis for the station. Her role at WJLA-TV keeps her involved in various local and national sports stories.
Natalie is active on social media. You can follow her on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where she shares updates on sports events, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal insights.
This is a great way to stay connected with her work and get the latest sports news.
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