Junior cross country runner Kristabel Doebel-Hickok and senior cornerback Myron Lewis took time to answer some of our questions this week about a variety of topics, including what got them into their sport and their fondest memories as Commodores.
Here's Kristabel's take on these questions.
What first attracted you to your sport?
I started running in middle school gym class. My teacher was the track coach, and she really encouraged me to do it. My brother was on the team, and we ran one day a week. It was all fun.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m really excited about the group of girls that we have, and the direction that we are going. I think we can improve on the performances of the past couple of years, and do better as a team.
How would you describe the team’s camaraderie?
We have a lot smaller of a squad this season. It’s allowed us to get a lot closer, and we all want to see each other do well.
How will you act as a leader this season?
I like to lead by example. You should come to practice to work hard, you need to be focused, and that’s what I try to do.
What is your fondest memory from your Vanderbilt athletic career to date?
When we raced at Stanford, I set the school record, and my parents were there. It was a special evening.
What are your thoughts on fellow SEC competition?
We’ve really been stressing that it’s the end of the season that counts. We know that the SEC regionals are when it really matters.
What are your individual goals this season?
I’d love to make it to nationals. It’s a big goal, and I can’t say with 100% certainty that it’s going to happen, but it is a really good thing to aim for.
What do you like most about playing at Vanderbilt?
I think that coach Keith is really great; he works well with me. It’s also really hard to find a school with a good running program where you’re getting a great education.
How have you worked to better your game in the offseason?
I went up and trained at a high altitude in California where I was living for about two months with a group of runners.
How have you incorporated your coaches’ styles into your play?
Coach Keith’s style is very individualized- my training is different from the rest of the team’s training. You have to figure out what works for you, and go with that.
What is your pre-game routine to get pumped?
I treat the night before and time leading up to the meet like any other day before a workout. I get a good night’s sleep and proper nutrition. On the day of the race, I try to keep everything low-key, and stay as relaxed as I can.
What is your favorite place on campus or in Nashville?
I basically live in Hendrix and McGugin. I stay mostly on campus since everything we need is basically here. I pretty much live in my dorm and the training facilities.
Click here for Myron Lewis' take on these questions.
