TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

On Sunday, June 20, you will be running a marathon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in support of the American Stroke Association (ASA). What exactly is the event all about?
The marathon is open to everyone from independent runners to teams like ours, the ASA Team Buffalo, as well as runners from other charity organizations like the Leukemia Foundation. Teams from over 50 cities will be running for the ASA, so you can imagine how much money is being raised solely for this organization. Astoundingly, there are stroke survivors who will also be participating in a half or full marathon with us – that has been very inspirational.

How did you become involved with the event? What are some of the reasons that you became interested in participating?
Over Christmas break my aunt, Mary Colello, passed away after having a stroke. A while later, I received a flyer in the mail from the ASA about participating in a marathon and raising thousands of dollars for the organization. A close friend and teacher of mine from Lake Shore High School, James Emerson, passed away in 1999 and I also felt it would be a great way to honor him.

Part of the money the ASA raises goes towards advocacy programs to educate the Western New York community on the prevalence and risks of stroke. I strongly feel that the knowledge of these topics is extremely important for us to be aware of.

How difficult was the fundraising process?
Erin Tambs – my teammate who is running the marathon with me – and I both spent a large amount of time and effort to make sure that we would meet our fundraising goals. It has been difficult, but like anything else, if you are driven to accomplish something and are willing to do the required work, the outcome will be successful. The fact that this marathon is for charity alone – putting aside personal motivation – is reason enough to achieve our goals.

What has the training process been like for running the marathon?
Well, we are not wearing the five layers that we were outdoors a few months ago, so it’s become more enjoyable. The longest run we have done is our 20-miler, which was last weekend. Now, we will start to taper our training in preparation for the race.

The training process has been a great experience overall. I've noticed that it also creates a more disciplined lifestyle, as you can see your dedication branch off into other parts of your life.

How much does it mean that your teammate from both UB and Lake Shore High School, Erin Tambs, is participating with you?
It means a great deal to me that we are participating in this event together. It has only brought us closer. Erin is not only a friend and teammate, but also a sister to me. To be able to accomplish this goal with her has been very empowering to our friendship.

What type of off-season soccer work do you do for your team?
In the off-season we do a lot of fitness training, but we also put a large emphasis on ballwork and being students of the game. Mastering your position and playing it at game pace is important preparation to make prior to our preseason.

In late April at the annual UB Athletic Awards Banquet, you were named one of three captains – along with Brenna McJury and Erica Mincher – for next year’s team. How significant has it been to you to achieve that status?
I am very excited to be taking on the responsibility with Brenna and Erica. It means a great deal to me to know that I have my teammates’ trust and respect. We have a great group of girls with a lot of heart and talent, so I feel very privileged to be one of their captains.

What expectations do you have for your team next season?
We are all very excited about the upcoming season. I feel we will be extremely successful with the right amount of hard work. With a large senior class this year, we will be a very experienced and motivated squad. I definitely believe that a Mid-American Conference championship is in sight for us this season.

At this August’s Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, the US women’s soccer team is once again expected to compete for the Gold. How much interest does your team take in watching soccer on that type of stage?
I know there are a bunch of us that still love to watch the US women’s team compete. Practically all of us had at some point been to a game during the 1999 World Cup.

It's an exciting time for all soccer players and fans because we get a chance to watch our favorite players compete live on television. Unfortunately, the US is a country that hasn't fully embraced the game of soccer yet. Hopefully the Olympics will spark more interest here, as it has in the past.

Mia Hamm has announced that she will retire following the Olympics. What has she meant to women’s soccer on the whole in this country?
Personally, Mia Hamm was my childhood inspiration athletically. The way she fought her way to the top is very inspirational. Along with Michelle Akers, I feel that she is the pioneer of the birth of women's soccer here in the US. Though I wouldn't limit her effect to just this country, but rather the world. She showed us all that it was possible for female soccer players and athletes – not just males – to have a positive impact on today’s society.

-The "10 Questions with…" feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.