AAU MEMBER A FINALIST FOR SPORTSKID OF THE YEAR

Two-time AAU Taekwondo National Champion Natalie Hershberger (Mansfield, Ohio) is a finalist for Sports Illustrated's 2015 SportsKid of the Year.

Hershberger burst onto the scene in 2012, earning back-to-back gold medals at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. She then punched her way to the top spot in the 2014 and 2015 AAU National Championships while a member of the AAU National Cadet Team.

"I really like being a member of the AAU National Cadet Team," Hershberger said. "My first team training camp in early 2015 was an amazing experience because all of my teammates and coaches were so supportive and helpful in challenging me."

The youngest of five finalists for the award, Hershberger added to her AAU Taekwondo National Championship by taking gold in her black belt division this year at the U.S. Open, the USAT National Championships and the Pan American Taekwondo Youth Open. She outscored opponents at the four events by a combined score of 198-42.

"Natalie has been an outstanding representative of the AAU Taekwondo National Program," said Mike Friello, AAU Taekwondo National Chair. "She has been a member of the AAU Taekwondo National Team for the past two years and continues to excel as an athlete in our program."

Hershberger is well-versed in community service as well. She speaks to Girl Scouts troops, athletic clubs and community organizations about the importance of hard work and following your dreams. She teaches free youth martial arts classes and has sold more than 1,000 copies of her self-published inspirational book, Tough Girls Finish First, in part to pay for her training.

Voting for the SI KIDS SportsKid of the Year can be found at SIKids.com/SKOTY and the voting process concludes at 12:00 p.m. ET on Oct. 13.

AAU Taekwondo is home to more than 10,000 members and hosts numerous events across the United States, including: District, Regional and National Championships; Annual Team Trials; and Regional and National Training Seminars. The program is also represented annually at the AAU Junior Olympic Games, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Houston, Tex. next year.

Visit AAUTaekwondo.org for more information about upcoming AAU Taekwondo events.