University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Roxanne Henningson
11/16/2011 | 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 Roxanne Henningson, who was most recently the Spiders' fourth finisher in 28th place overall at the A-10 Championship on Oct. 29 in Charlotte.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): What does it mean to be a Spider?
Roxanne Henningson (RH): To be a Spider means to give your best each day and get it done.
RS: What is your most memorable moment as a member of the program?
RH: The A-10 Championship meet last year was probably my most memorable moment of the program thus far. Everyone worked so hard and sacrificed so much throughout the season, so seeing that pay off by winning the meet on both the women's and men's sides was amazing.
RS: Of all your teammates, past or present, from whom have you learned the most and why?
RH: The summer before my freshman year, Erin Lunny was vacationing near my house and reached out to me to meet up for a run. She really made me feel like I was a part of the team before I even met everyone, was a great training partner and continues to be a positive role model.
RS: With the cross country season now in the books, how are you feeling heading into the upcoming indoor season?
RH: I am really excited for the upcoming indoor season! I did not compete during the indoor season last year, so I am ready to get back on the track.
RS: If your teammates could describe you in three words, what would they be?
RH: laid-back, determined and mysterious
RS: What led to your decision to begin running cross country?
RH: The summer after my freshman year of high school, my track coach suggested I go to a cross country running camp at a nearby school. I fell in love with the sport and the rest is history!
RS: What is the greatest piece of advice you've received in the sport?
RH: My dad always says to me, "Run like the wind little Roxanne!" This helps me to relax, reminds me to just enjoy the moment and to remember why I love running.
RS: What have you learned from cross country that you can apply to other aspects of your life?
RH: Even though running is very much an individual sport, cross country has taught me a lot about the importance of teamwork and doing your best for others. I see how hard all of my teammates work each day both in and out of the sport, and it inspires me to want to do my best in all aspects of my life.
RS: Will you please finish this sentence? If I stopped running, I would...
RH: ...find some other sport or exercise that keeps me sane.
RS: Who are your role models both in and out of the sport?
RH: Lauren Fleshman is one of my biggest role models in the sport. Her journey in the sport is inspirational to me, and I find her blog really entertaining. Outside of the sport, my sister is one of my biggest role models. She works hard, has fun and reminds me to enjoy every moment.
RS: What is your major and dream job?
RH: I plan on majoring in business administration. My dream job is to be a personal shopper because I would love to be able to shop all day long!
RS: What has been your favorite class on campus? Why?
RH: My favorite class on campus has probably been French Conversation Through Cinema. I enjoy learning about other cultures and this class really gave me a better understanding of the world.
RS: Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
RH: My favorite spot on campus is the third floor of the International Center. I like to go there when I have a lot of work to do because not many people are there and I can lie down and take a nap on the couches when I need a study break!
RS: As a distance runner, you can obviously afford to have a couple culinary guilty pleasures. Anything immediately come to mind as your favorite?
RH: Ice cream and then more ice cream.
RS: If a genie appeared and granted you three wishes, what would they be?
RH: I would want the ability to make everyone smile and be able to live the rest of life happy and healthy.
RS: If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
RH: I would want to trade places with one of the crazy geese on campus to see what they think about UR students.
RS: If you could play a role on any TV show or movie, what would it be? Why?
RH: I don't know what role I would want to play, but I would want to be on the set of Modern Family because I would constantly be laughing.
RS: If every day holiday were a holiday, what would it be?
RH: If every day were a holiday I would want it to be Thanksgiving. Family and yummy food are the best.
RS: If you could have the perfect meal prepared for you, what would it be?
RH: I would have my dad make me grilled salmon topped with maple syrup and brown sugar and with grilled vegetables on the side.
RS: What's something about you that most people don't know?
RH: A lot of people ask me if I was named after the song "Roxanne" by the Police. This is not the case because my name is actually a sort of combination of my parents' names.
