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Naomi Harding's Best Marks
800 - 2:16.57
One Mile - 5:00.92
3,200 - 11:05
5k - 17:57
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the University of North Carolina?
In addition to North Carolina, I was looking at the University of Wisconsin, Boise State University, and the University of Utah. While it was a really hard decision because I liked all four of the programs it ultimately came down to UNC and UW. I chose UNC because they recently hired a new head coach who I really bonded with and I wanted to help her rebuild the program. Coach McDonough has been successful everywhere she has coached and feels UNC is a sleeping giant. I also love Chapel Hill, the team and of course the beautiful campus.
Q) Did you collectively decide with your sister to go to the same school? Or was there any potential of going separate ways?
There was definitely potential for Lizzy and I to attend different schools, and we heavily considered it. We did go on the same visits and looked at the same schools although we wanted to be seen as two separate recruits not as one. In the end, we both really liked Coach McDonough and UNC the best and felt we could excel there academically and athletically.
Q) What do you plan to study at North Carolina?
I am not exactly sure which major path I will chose but I am interested in going into the medical field so UNC will have many options for me to pursue.
Q) You've had success in everything from the 800 on up to the 5k, what event are you planning to focus on at North Carolina?
At UNC I think it would be fun to try various events and see which one fits me the best. I've been thinking a lot about the steeple which I think would be a really cool event given my background in alpine racing.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?
This track season I am hoping to PR again in the mile and 2 mile. I will definitely be trying to chase my first individual state title but know that the 4A distance girls division is one of then most competitive in Colorado. I would also love for our 4x800 team to win our third straight state title!
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?
My favorite memory so far would probably be when our team won NXR Southwest last season and claimed one of the automatic bids to NXN. Battle Mountain shocked almost everyone by placing third in the entire US!
