AN: Take me through a typical in-season day.
HL: Every practice is different. In season, we focus most on technique, strength and speed.
AN: What other sports have you played and when?
HL: Ever since I can remember and up until I started college, I was an avid soccer player. I played competitively for 12 years until I decided I wanted to instead run track in college. One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.
AN: When did you start running track and how did you know it was right for you?
HL: I started running in high school. My teammates and I always joke that you have to be a little bit crazy to like running track. The competition is what makes it fun. Anyone can tell you that there is no better feeling than winning a race or surpassing a personal best. Out of anyone, your biggest competitor is yourself.
AN: Who has been the most influential figure throughout your track career?
HL: My teammates are what keep me going. I wouldn’t have stuck it out for this long if it weren’t for them.
AN: What’s the hardest part about competing on a relay team?
HL: When it comes to relays, it becomes less about yourself and more about your teammates. It takes four people to run a fast time, so you depend a lot on each other.
AN: How do you feel about your recent Patriot League performance?
HL: It is definitely bittersweet that my Patriot League career has come to an end. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out. Winning back-to-back 4×400 titles is definitely a memory that will last a lifetime, and I am so honored to have been a part of it. [The] last one is the best one.
AN: What is the team morale after a successful season?
HL: Ending on such a high note is always a good thing for any team. Winning the Lafayette/Lehigh meet definitely boosted our confidence going into [Patriot] Leagues, so I can only imagine how well our returning girls are going to do next year. I am so excited for them.
AN: What was the most important learning experience that occurred this season?
HL: Adjusting to a new coach. Coach Brown, our sprints, hurdles and jumps coach is new this year, and he was a gift to our program. His workouts were tough and everything was new, so the adjustment took some getting used to but it was all more than worth it in the end. Without him, we wouldn’t have gotten as far as we had this year.
AN: What is your offseason workout regimen?
HL: Endurance workouts, strength and conditioning. Keeping in shape over the summer is important. What people don’t really know about track is that you never stop training. We don’t really have an offseason, especially if you run cross-country.
AN: What’s your most memorable track moment?
HL: There are too many to pick just one. Beating Lehigh definitely tops the list, though. Our rivalry with Lehigh is always one of the most exciting meets of the year for everyone involved. It’s a true team effort, every point counts.
AN: Who on the team deserves a shout-out for their performance this season?
HL: [Sophomore] Drew Davis has improved tremendously this year. I am so proud of her, mostly because we train together every day and she also pushes me to be a better athlete. She has so much potential. You go, girl!
AN: How do you manage your schoolwork alongside being a Division 1 athlete?
HL: Time management is key. Any student athlete can agree that you have to be able to manage your time well, especially in season.
AN: Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
HL: I’m not really superstitious or anything, but I do wear the same bow in my hair to every meet. It’s basically a part of my uniform. It’s my lucky bow.
AN: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
HL: The beach!
AN: What’s your favorite song?
HL: The hardest question to answer. I would have to say Sowing Season (Yeah) by Brand New is one of my favorites.
AN: What’s your favorite movie?
HL: How to Train Your Dragon.
AN: If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?
HL: Harry Styles. I’m a big One Direction fan.
AN: What don’t people know about you?
HL: I am a triplet, I like punk music and I’m afraid of bees and thunderstorms.
