| |
Aduba was an All-American in the long and triple jump indoors (Prettysporty.com) |
1. After taking sixth in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump
indoors, you already opened your season with a leap of 20-10.75 in the long jump
at the Raleigh Relays which tied the Penn State school record. How do you feel
heading into the heart of the outdoor season and what would you like to jump?
I feel really great going into the outdoor season. I have been
feeling especially confident recently not necessarily because I
opened with a personal record, but because I have had some good
practices that indicate really good things. As far as marks go,
hitting PR's are always fun, but I really want to get over that
21 foot barrier. In the triple jump as long as I continue to improve
(especially if it is by as much as I did this indoor season) I won't
complain.
2. As a short sprinter as well, what is your part in the relays and what
kind of goals do you all have in mind?
I usually run the second leg on the sprint relay and my role has always been to
get the stick around and help our team to a fast time. We have Connie Moore on
anchor who is amazing with a stick in her hand, so I think we will be able to
do some good things.
3. Also the reigning Big Ten triple jump champion, what are some of the
accomplishments you are most proud of during your collegiate career so far?
The thing I am most proud of in my collegiate career is being able to break
through in the triple jump last year. As a freshman I really struggled in the
triple jump (I mean like 38ft struggling). Sophomore year my coach and I
decided that those types of marks were way below my potential and it was time
to start moving to the next level. During that outdoor season I jumped 41'5".
I am most proud of that.
4. Penn State women's track and field Head Coach Beth Alford-Sullivan was
recently named the Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year by the United
State's Track Coaches Association members. How was Alford-Sullivan and the
rest of the staff helped you to be where you are today?
That recognition is a great honor for the whole coaching staff
-- and well deserved. The coaches have been extremely supportive
and all play an integral role in my career. My primary coach, Jeff
McAuley, has been amazing. He knows when to integrate the right
things at the right time and makes sure I never settle for anything
less than my best.
5. You also have the luxury to train in one of the best indoor facilities
in the nation. How much of an advantage is this for you and what's it like to
be able to have a place like that to train in every day?
Our facility has been a HUGE advantage. Living in Pennsylvania
at times it can seem like we get snow year round. Because of our
facility, we never miss out on training days because of bad weather,
we don't have to worry about injuries due to inadequate surfaces
and we get to have plenty of home meets with good competition. I
love our track and it's my favorite place to compete.
6. What are you currently pursuing your degree in and what would you like
to do once your collegiate career is over?
Currently I am majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a Spanish
minor. After I graduate I would love to live in Spain for awhile,
that is of course only if my job on Sports Center falls through
(haha).
7. Describe the college atmosphere and life on the campus of Penn State.
The first thing most people notice at Penn State is the school
spirit. In fact, if you come during Homecoming the first thing you
might notice are the students camping out overnight to guard our
sacred Nittany Lion shrine.
8. Now that the outdoor season is well underway, what are some of your
favorite venues to compete at and travel to?
My favorite meet is Sea Ray relays. I just LOVE escaping to warm
weather when it is still cold here in State College. Also, there
is always good competition and a few professional athletes that
we get a chance to enjoy.
9. When stepping on the runway every weekend, how do you stay focused to
jump your best every time?
For me, I just need to make sure that I get myself in a very focused
concentrated mental state. As long as that happens and the intensity is high
things usually work out well.
10. Can you explain to all of us who are not familiar with the jumps on
what it takes every week to prepare yourself in practice to peak at the
right time?
That is just mostly training, and my coach handles that. As long as training
goes well things peaking at the right time takes care of itself.