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Liberty Ricca's Best Marks
1,600 - 5:07
3,200 - 10:49
5k - 17:45
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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Arizona State?
The recruiting process was a whirlwind. All summer, it seemed like new coaches were contacting me daily. I am so thankful to each and every coach that reached out to me. Through the recruiting process, I was introduced to some pretty awesome schools that weren't initially on my radar. All the coaches I talked to were committed to their athletes and made this a really difficult decision. In the end it came down to two schools, Tulsa University and Arizona State. I was confident I would get a great education and have incredible athletic opportunities at either My decision finally came down to the fact I couldn't see myself stopping triathlon and ASU offers me the most direct path to continue chasing my childhood dreams.
Q) What do you plan to study at Arizona State?
At ASU, I plan to study the digital side of Engineering, mainly Computer Science. At Discovery Canyon, we have an Engineering track that I started my Freshman year. Over the past 4 years, these classes have been a huge influence on my choice of majors along with my Dad being an Engineer.
Q) You've had success in everything from the mile up to the 5k, over to cycling, and swimming, talk about the decision to compete on the women's triathlon team at Arizona State (instead of competing in solely cross country and track).
As much as I enjoy each individual sport, triathlon is the combination of all three into a single exciting race. Over the past few years I have found that I am happiest when I am cross training in multiple sports rather than entirely focused on a single sport, it keeps the training fresh. Plus as part of USA Triathlon's Junior National Team for the past two years I have had the opportunity to represent the USA in international races in South America and Canada. Choosing ASU makes me part of the strongest women's training group in the country which will push me every day to reach my full potential. I look forward to helping ASU continue to win NCAA D1 National Championships as this NCAA emerging sport grows and the competition get stronger.
Q) What's your favorite event (between running, swimming, and cycling)?
For sure cycling. Something about the pure power I can put out and the freedom I have makes it so empowering.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?
My situation is a unique one since I committed to do triathlon in college. I want to be able compete in track so I can defend my state title, maybe pickup 1 or 2 more, and help my team, but it is about balance. I will have to work with my school to find that balance of triathlon training and track training.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?
My favorite individual moment from high school so far was definitely winning the 3200m at state track last season. It's something that you don't think is possible until you actually do it. My sophomore year I barely made it into the State Track meet. Then last year, I went in with the top seed and left with a State Title. I will never forget the feeling of pure joy and excitement I felt when I crossed that line.
My favorite team memory is definitely Cross Country State this year. It was my final race of the High School cross country season and being able to step on to that start line with my girls made my last race the best.
