Catherine's Corner: Q&A With Emily VandeWater
9/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Emily VandeWater is a senior kinesiology major from Hereford, Maryland, and one of two captains of our women's cross country team. She was also my first friend on the team after we bonded over a long run on our official visit before either of us were Terps. We sat down last week to talk running, school and her excitement for the upcoming season.
Catherine – Em, thanks for doing this. I wanted to begin by asking you how you got started with running?
Emily – So I started running, not competitively, with my first races in middle school. I joined the running club and we met once a week and ran a couple of miles … and then I started competitively racing in high school.
Catherine – You had a few options after high school, why did you decide to come to Maryland?
Emily – It actually took me a long time to decide to run in college… I didn't decide until my senior year. I really liked Maryland from the first time I came. It was one of the first schools I even looked at. I really liked the campus, it's close to home, and I liked the big school feel, especially for the academics. And when I met the team I really liked them and I felt like I had a good connection with all of the girls and the coaching staff.
Catherine - Your dad is one of the best track dads we've ever seen, how did your relationship with him shape your running?
Emily- Growing up he would always tell me his stories about running in high school and college (he ran for Wisconsin) and all of his experiences and that's what sparked my interest in running. He is definitely a huge supporter. We talk strategy and just about running and what I could do to improve … he's taught me a lot. Without him being there every meet and driving hundreds of miles I may not have the passion for the sport that I do now.
Catherine – What's the farthest he's ever driven to see you run?
Emily – Well he's driven to Florida and out to Iowa as well so I'm not sure which is farther, but they're both pretty far!
Catherine – What is your favorite meet on our cross country schedule and why?
Emily – I'm really looking forward to the Paul Short Invitational. I've competed on that course twice in the past. It has the rolling hills, which I actually really like because I feel fast on the down hills and I like the timing. We run through cornfields and woods. It's true cross country.
Catherine - What does it mean to you to be a captain of the team?
Emily – Being part of a team is really important, that's why I like running so much because you're running and competing for the team. It's very inspiring because we're all working towards a common goal. I'm really looking forward to inspiring the younger girls as the captains in the past have done for me. It's important to portray a sense of confidence and positivity.
Catherine – Running and kinesiology kind of go together, did you pick your major because of being interested in athletics from a young age?
Emily –Yes, definitely. I came in as a kinesiology major but I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it but I really like it. Being surrounded by sports growing up ever since I was really little sparked my interest in health and the body.
Catherine – And finally the most important question, what's your favorite meal to eat after a long run?
Emily – Definitely breakfast food because that's my favorite. A big stack of chocolate chip pancakes would be my go to. Or French toast. Or pancakes. Write pancakes.
