Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
Senior Spotlight: Kiara Russell (Women's Track and Field)
Major:Â Undergraduate - Exercise Science
           Masters - Athletic Training
What are your plans after graduation? First I will finish up my last year of grad school then I plan on moving back home to Arizona or move to Florida and work as an Athletic trainer in a high school or college setting, and/or travel if the opportunity comes!
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? My most memorable/ best academic experience is when I finally got my 4.0gpa.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? My most memorable moment would have to be my first track me at AU and I ran the 60m dash and I made it to the finals and my teammates were cheering like crazy, and winning 6 conference championships with my teammates. Also we had bible study after meets and that was always a good time ;)
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? I'm really good at cheerleading/dancing (it's a sport, trust me)
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? I really enjoy writing short stories and being around my friends and family.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? The breakfast omelettes. YUMMY
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Dr. Roach, he was my professor for a few of my classes and he saw the academic potential I had when I didn't and he really pushed me to be a better student and wouldn't take any of my slack! He also had amazing stories to tell in class.
Kelsey, my AT. She is the best listener and always knows how to calm me down, and fix my foot! She has really taught me a lot about how I want to be when I'm an Athletic trainer and to have confidence in myself to become the best student, athlete and athletic trainer.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? I enjoy being with my teammates and making the most of our practices, and always pushing each other to get better.
I didn't enjoy 6am practice (unless I was in the pool)
Do you have any pregame rituals? Pray and give thanks to God for giving me the gifts and talents he has given me.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Go to class! Make friends with your teammates they see you and your Best and at your worst in athletics! And have fun, college is the time to find out who you are and what you want to do, it can be stressful but have fun while doing it!
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Keep Ya Head Up by 2Pac. It's just a nice reminder to not let my situation or past situations hold me back and things are getting better. I just need to keep my head up and focus on what I need to get accomplished.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? Y'all I'm sensitive!
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why?
My great grandma Lewi- she was my best friend and just to have one more hour with her just to talk and tell her how much I have accomplished would mean the world to me.
Will Smith- he's so fine and always seems to be in a good mood.
Kris Jenner- I need that quick come up, jk. (But no really)
