The Los Angeles Rams honor LACC Student Natalie Goodliffe as one of their 2023 pLAymakers
The Rams are not only dedicated to making it to the end zone on the field but also to ensuring their community members achieve success in their own lives. In honor of individuals who serve the community every day and to commemorate the legacy of Kenny Washington (#13), the Los Angeles Rams established the pLAymakers program. This initiative celebrates 13 Angelenos who are committed to moving the city forward and have shown true perseverance in the face of adversity.
Recognizing a Student Leader
Los Angeles City College (LACC) is home to many students who work tirelessly to transform their lives through education, often facing challenges such as housing or food insecurity, economic hardship, and family responsibilities. One such student, Natalie Goodliffe, recognized the needs of her peers and took action.
Natalie, a dedicated student studying video game design at LACC, has faced significant challenges throughout her life. Diagnosed with autism at age two and placed in the foster care system at ten, she moved between homes until aging out of extended foster care at twenty-one, when she was placed in a group home. These experiences gave Natalie a deep compassion for those with similar stories.
At LACC, Natalie found the resources she needed to succeed and has been committed to helping her peers do the same. She volunteers at the pop-up pantry, which provides groceries to students, and at Cubby’s Closet, a clothing closet established by the LACC Associated Student Government where students can receive a new outfit each week.
Honoring Natalie Goodliffe
In recognition of her perseverance and dedication to the LACC community, the Los Angeles Rams honored Natalie as a 2023 pLAymaker. To support her efforts, the Rams donated $5,000 to Cubby’s Closet, and in partnership with PacSun, they donated $57,000 worth of clothing for LACC students.
Dr. Lisa Nashua, Executive Director of the Los Angeles City College Foundation, expressed her gratitude: “The Los Angeles City College Foundation and community are grateful to the Rams for honoring Natalie and Cubby’s Closet in this incredible way. Natalie is so deserving of this spotlight; she constantly goes above and beyond to serve LACC students. The donations made in honor of Natalie from the Rams and PacSun will directly impact our students. Feeling confident and comfortable in class makes a huge difference in our students’ ability to learn and succeed.”
Celebrating on Game Day
On Sunday, December 17, during the Rams’ home game against the Washington Commanders, Natalie and the other 2023 pLAymakers will be honored on the field. Their stories of perseverance and commitment to a better Los Angeles will be highlighted, inspiring Rams fans everywhere.
The Los Angeles Rams Inspire Change
Launched in 2019, Inspire Change is a league-wide platform focused on reducing barriers to opportunity and fostering progress in education, economic advancement, community and police relations, and criminal justice reform. The Los Angeles Rams’ Inspire Change efforts aim to address community barriers and highlight moments in Rams’ history that have inspired change both on and off the field. From Kenny Washington and Woody Strode breaking the NFL color barrier by signing with the Rams in 1946 to former Rams legend Shack Harris becoming the first Black quarterback to win a playoff game in 1974, the Rams are committed to pioneering with purpose.