Aurora University Athletics

Hometown: Venice, Florida
High School: Venice
Team: Women's Track and Field
Majors: Marketing and Communication

What is your favorite sports moment at AU?
My favorite sports moment at AU was when I began to get serious about weight lifting. I know it sounds silly, but that's where I found myself. Lifting weights

What is your most memorable academic experience at AU?
My most memorable academic experience at AU would be maintaining a 4.0 GPA my entire junior year. I am a double major, so I over loaded each semester, which means I took 20 semester hours. I also work a full time job. To accomplish a 4.0 with that kind of schedule was a really proud moment for me.

Why did you choose to attend Aurora University?
I chose to attend Aurora University because I liked the class size. I didn't want to be at a school where I was just a number. I felt that this way I was able to build a strong connection with the faculty, as well as the other students.

Who is your all-time favorite athlete and why?
I do not have an all-time favorite athlete. I think it takes an amazing amount of dedication to be an athlete at any level, whether it is professionally, at the collegiate level, or even the high school level. I think it is awesome to put so much love and dedication into a sport you enjoy playing. A buddy of mine just got drafted into the NFL this year. To have a dream and to do what it takes to achieve it, is an inspiring thing.

What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was my COM 1500 class that I took my freshman year. That class was the main reason I chose my communications major. I think it is important to be comfortable speaking in front of an audience, no matter what career field you choose.

Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor would have to be Professor Kneller. His sarcastic sense of humor cracks me up. He genuinely cares about his student's success and he has
 
Other than the sport(s) you play, what other sports activity are you good at?
I used to play soccer when I was younger, for about 8 years. I think I was only good because I was so fast. I enjoy playing volleyball and flag football on recreational leagues, but I may not be that great.

Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby?
I enjoy riding my bike. Over the summer, I went on one bike/nature trail a week. While sometimes I may have gotten lost, it was a lot of fun. Sometimes in the middle of our busy lives, it is nice to stop and take a little while to enjoy how beautiful Mother Nature really is.

What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria?
Meatloaf, I know, it sounds disgusting, but I absolutely love meatloaf.

Who is your role model?
My role model is my mom. I would not be the person that I am today if it wasn't for her. She is my number one fan, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. I hope that one day I can be even half the mother that she is.

What do you enjoy most about practice?
The thing I enjoy most about practice is that you get whatever you give in. I do my best to give 100% to every practice. I also get to motivate my teammates. If one of us is having a rough day, we have our teammates to push us to work harder.

What do you like least about practice?
With such a big team, sometimes practices take longer than usual. It's tough because I work a full time job and usually have to rush to work right after practices.

What are your plans/goals after graduation?
I want to travel for a while. I love the idea of picking up and moving, seeing new things and experiencing new places. I want to gain some life experiences while I am still young. I currently work as an operations manager for Nike, so my career plan is to move up that corporate ladder.

Do you have any pregame rituals?
I do. I have a specific playlist that I listen to and specific stretches/warm-up routines that I do. No race is ready to be run until those rituals are done.

What will you remember most from your college career?
The thing that I will remember most from my college career is the people that I have met and the network that I have built. I have met a lot of great people and heard a lot of awesome stories. The athletics coaches and the faculty really put in a lot of work to help the students become successful.

As a senior, what advice would you give to freshman at AU?
Don't ever let someone tell that you can't do something. I know it sounds cliché, but it is true. There are no limits. Do not be afraid to work full time, try a new class, try out for a sport, join clubs, or get involved.  

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