Mariah is a sophomore track and field athlete at the University of Hartford where she majors in Exercise Science with double minors in Sports Management and Psychology. She is a hurdler and jumper on the track & field team with amazing determination and tons of success in the classroom and on the track.
1. How are you feeling going into this indoor track season?
I am currently not cleared due to health reasons but once I have recovered I am really excited to start competing again. I think that once I get stronger again and my fitness back up it will be a very successful season filled with PRs.
2. What events are you planning on competing in?
This indoor season I am planning on competing in the 60 hurdles and triple jump with the hope to be able to try a pentathlon. During the outdoor season, I will compete in the 400 hurdles, 100 hurdles, and triple jump.
3. Do you feel any big changes from freshman year to sophomore?
My sophomore year so far has been better because it feels less intimidating since I've built a group of friends and am used to the college environment. The workload is also stressful because I know how to manage my time better than I did my freshmen year.
4. What are your goals for this season as a track and field athlete?
My goals for this season are to PR in all of my events and just improve in general.
- Triple Jump: 35ft
- 400 Hurdles: 1:04
- 100 Hurdles: 16 seconds
5. How did you hear about the University of Hartford?
During my senior year of high school, Coach Conner Green, the head track and field coach, reached out to me and asked for me to come for a visit. I then looked to make sure they had a good program for my major and took up the opportunity to come and visit to see if the University of Hartford was a place where I could see myself.
6. Why did you choose the University of Hartford?
I chose the University of Hartford because it had a great program for my major and I also had the opportunity to run here. When I toured it felt like a place that I could call home for the next four years and I have never felt more accepted.
7. Do you have any advice for upcoming recruits?
The best advice I can give is always to be yourself and put yourself out there. The college environment can be overwhelming but it is also a place to meet some lifelong friends.
