Natalie Sago

High school (ages 12+)
Sports & Games

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/natalie-sago

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Natalie Sago born?May 24, 1989
2. What is Natalie Sago known for?Professional NBA basketball referee, wearing uniform number 9
3. What is the career milestone?Fifth woman to be promoted to a full-time NBA officiating staff member
4. Who is Natalie Sago?Natalie Sago is a referee who blows the whistle in the biggest basketball games, like the NBA.
5. How did she become an NBA referee?She played softball in college, studied physical education, and then worked as a referee in lower leagues before being hired full‑time.

NBA Gatorade League: A professional basketball minor league that serves as a developmental system for the NBA.
WNBA: The Women's National Basketball Association, the premier professional basketball league for women in the United States.
Officiating Staff: The group of individuals employed by a sports league to enforce rules and ensure fair play during games.
K-12 Physical Education: Educational programs focused on physical activity and health for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.