University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Jill Prentice
10/05/2011 | Cross Country
Editor's Note: Throughout the 2011 season we will sit down with a Spider cross country runner each week and have them answer a set of 20 questions about their lives both on and off the course. This week we interview sophomore Jill Prentice, who most recently recorded a 35th-place finish in a 396-runner field at Lehigh's Paul Short Run on Friday.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): What does it mean to be a Spider?
Jill Prentice (JP): To be a Spider means that you're a team player, have good sportsmanship and are both enthusiastic and passionate.
RS: What is your
most memorable moment as a member of the program?
JP: My most memorable moment as a member of this program would have to be when both the women's and men's cross country teams won the A-10 Championships. It was a huge goal for both of the programs, and I'm extremely proud of the accomplishment.
RS: What are your goals for the season?
JP: Every season I have the simple goal of improving from last year. In addition to that, my goal for the A-10 Championship is to be top five.
RS: Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
JP: I always have oatmeal in the morning and visualize the race while stretching beforehand.
RS: If your teammates could describe you in three words, what would they be?
JP: Intense, silly and motivated.
RS: What led to your decision to begin running cross country?
JP: I began running cross country in sixth grade because my father was a runner and I had always looked up to him as a role model. I had also played softball before running and my coaches always said that I should go out for track.
RS: What do you most enjoy about the sport?
JP: What I most enjoy about cross country are the races. It is more of a team effort in cross country as opposed to track. I like the fact that when the team works together to be competitive and successful, the end results are greater than you could have ever achieved on your own.
RS: What have you learned from cross country that you can apply to other aspects of your life?
JP: I really have learned the importance of teamwork from cross country. It is amazing how working together as a team can push you beyond what you thought you were capable of. When people are able to work together, things are easier to achieve.
RS: What is the weirdest thing that you've seen happen during a race?
JP: One time there was a man dressed up as a Native American dancing around pounding on a drum in an area where spectators were not allowed. It was very strange and unexpected, but motivational at the same time!
RS: Who are your role models both in and out of the sport?
JP: My role model for cross country would definitely be my dad. He would run with me when I was younger and will still bike alongside me during my runs sometimes. He taught me how to race and to work hard in practice. Outside of the sport, I would say that my mom would be my role model. I definitely get my academic work ethic from her.
RS: What is your major? Why did you choose it?
JP: I haven't declared yet, but my intended major is either accounting or finance because I love the mathematical aspect of business.
RS: What is your dream job?
JP: My dream job would be to work for a big accounting firm in a city.
RS: Where are your favorite places to eat in Richmond?
JP: My favorite places to eat in Richmond are in Carytown. There are many different options and it's a fun place to walk around afterwards.
RS: What is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
JP: My favorite spot on campus would be the library. I love how you can always find a little nook to get away from things and either relax or focus on work.
RS: If you could spend a day with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
JP: I would spend a summer day on the lake with my two sisters because I don't get to see them much anymore and we always have a great time.
RS: If every day was a holiday, what would that holiday be?
JP: 4th of July! I love the fireworks and barbecues!
RS: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one person and thing would you like to have with you?
JP: If I was stranded on a deserted island, I would want Bear Grylls to be the one person with me. I would also like to have a journal and a pen to write down my adventures.
RS: What's something about you that most people don't know?
JP: I was a competitive ballerina for about four years, but I quit so that I could focus on swimming, which I did competitively for 10 years.
RS: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
JP: I enjoy shopping and watching TV.
