Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the Loyola Marymount University?
Towards the end of the recruiting process, my top schools were LMU, the University of Kansas, USC, Boston University, Northwestern, and Scripps College. I had so many amazing options but I chose LMU because something there just clicked for me. I loved the team, the coaches, and the campus, and I could really see myself thriving there.
Q) What do you plan to study at Loyola Marymount?
I'll be studying screenwriting in their School of Film and Television. LMU has one of the best film schools in the country, so I'm thrilled to get the chance to push myself academically and athletically at the next level.
Q) What got you into track and field in the first place?
I've been running pretty much since I was in second grade, but only occasionally and for fun. My parents are runners and my dad used to coach track, so some of my baby pictures are at meets with high school teams. By the time I started running track in middle school I started to really get excited about it. I began taking it super seriously when I entered high school, and once I ran my first big high school race I was hooked!
Q) You've had success in everything from the 1,600 on on up to the 5k, what would you say your favorite event is, and why?
Right now, my favorite event on the track is the 1600. I think it's the most exciting race and it's really fun to dig deep and drop the hammer in the last 400 meters.
Q) You consistently made huge gains each year, culminating with a 17:55 5k PR this past fall, what would you say attributed to your improvements?
Sticking with running and continuing to do the work even when I had disappointing results was the greatest factor that helped me improve. It's a little cliche, but it's totally true! It took me a few years to figure out that there really is no magic trick or potion to getting the times and results that I wanted, I just needed to keep showing up. I also have amazing speedy teammates that help keep running fun and exciting.
Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Loyola Marymount?
We'll have to see. Oddly enough my favorite events are the 5k and the 1600, so I'll have to figure out when I get there whether I'll specialize in longer or shorter races. LMU's program specializes exclusively in distance athletes so it will be fun to get coaching and hone in where they see my talents fitting.
Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?
I have my eye on qualifying for state in the 1600 and 3200. I'm working through a minor injury right now, but I know I'm ready to get competitive this year.
Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?
A moment I'll never forget was when I was one of three Eagle Valley girls to make it onto the podium at state cross country this year. Earning a state medal was a goal I'd set for myself a long time ago and I was so thrilled that I was able to make it a reality. There are also so many hilarious shenanigans I've gotten into with my teammates, like when Joslin and Samantha cat-fished me. They tricked me into thinking I had a really bizarre new teammate named Chloe, and they even got me to walk around my neighborhood looking for her because she got "lost." I still need to find a way to get them back for that one!
