University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Beth Kelly
11/02/2011 | 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 senior Beth Kelly, who most recently turned in a 76th-place finish at Saturday's Atlantic 10 Women's Championship.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): As a senior member of the program, what does being a Spider mean to you?
Beth Kelly (BK): To be a Spider means that you are proud of who you are and everything you do. A Spider goes into every competition laying everything on the line. No matter what the outcome, a win or loss, you hold your head high. After every win you know you worked hard to earn it. And every loss will only make you stronger.
RS: What is your fondest memory from your time with the team?
BK: Last cross country season when both the men and women won the A-10 Cross Country Championships. The entire team set forth with the goal of winning conference and worked so hard to earn it.
RS: What has been your favorite road trip while competing as a Spider?
BK: I would probably have to say going to Louisville, Ky., my sophomore year for the Southeast Regional meet because after the race we went to the Kentucky Derby race tracks and watched horse races.
RS: Of all your teammates, both past and present, from whom have you learned the most and why?
BK: The senior distance girls who graduated last year have definitely made my experience here at Richmond unforgettable. They welcomed me with open arms as a freshman, showed me what it takes to be a Spider, cheered me on in the good times and helped me get through the tough times. They weren't just my teammates for three years, but they are my lifelong friends.
RS: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment both in and out of the sport?
BK: My greatest accomplishment has been adjusting to being both a college student and a college athlete. It is a lot of hard work and dedication, but when it is all said and done I know it will be well worth it.
RS: What will you miss the most about your time as a Spider?
BK: I will miss being a part of a close-knit team. Lori and Steve have devoted so much time into making our team like a family. No matter what, I know I can always count on having the support from my teammates and the coaches.
RS: What do you enjoy most about running?
BK: I love the saying, "You ALWAYS regret not going on a run, but NEVER regret going on a run." Running is just a happy thing and always makes me feel good. When I'm running nothing else matters.
RS: Who are your greatest role models both in and out of the sport?
BK: My parents are definitely my greatest role models. They raised my siblings and me to find something we love and with hard work we can achieve anything we put our heart to. Running is a big part of my family, and they are always my biggest fans cheering me on.
RS: If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?
BK: Last year we did team superlatives and I was voted "Best Smile" and "Most Huggable".
RS: We've heard that you're one of the quieter members of the team, but is there anything that you could talk endlessly about?
My family! Once you get me started, I probably won't stop. I am one of six kids and they are all my best friends. With lots of siblings there comes lots of stories.
RS: What is your major and dream job?
BK: I created my own major through Interdisciplinary Studies called Medical Humanities. My dream job is to become an occupational therapist and work with children who are disabled or have special needs.
RS: Here's the prototypical question for the college senior... What are your plans for after graduation?
BK: I am in the process of applying to graduate schools to earn a Masters degree in occupational therapy. But I am leaving my options open in case I want to get a job first and then go back to school.
RS: What has been your favorite class here on campus? Why?
BK: My favorite class wasn't exactly on campus, but it was through Richmond. I went to Peru two summers ago with Dr. Mayes and took Global Health, Infectious Disease and Human Rights. In the morning we would learn from the books and in the afternoon we learned by volunteering at an orphanage.
RS: Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
BK: My favorite spot on campus is the garden next to the chapel. I love it because not many people know about it, so it is always quiet, and it has beautiful scenery.
RS: If you could go on a run with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
BK: I would have to say the legendary Bill Cosby. The Cosby Show was one of my favorite shows growing up. It might be a slow run, but he would definitely make it entertaining. We are both from the Philly area, so we could run around Boat House Row and the art museum. And maybe at the end of the run Bill would want to get one of his famous hoagies.
RS: As a distance runner, you can obviously afford to have a couple culinary guilty pleasures. Anything immediately come to mind as your favorite?
BK: Ice cream! No doubt about it.
RS: If a genie appeared and granted you three wishes, what would they be?
BK...
1. A lifetime of
happiness
2. A million dollars so I
can start a program for kids with autism
3. A trip to South Africa
so I can go on a safari and ride elephants
RS: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
BK: I would like the power to heal. My least favorite thing is to see other people suffer, so if I could make people feel better with the touch of my hand that would be really nice.
RS: If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
BK: I would like to trade places with Blake Mycoskie, who is the creator of TOMS shoes. I would love to travel to developing countries and give shoes to children in need. The smile of a child after getting their first pair of shoes would be priceless.
RS: What's something interesting about you that most people don't know?
BK: Aside from running, I also played field hockey from fifth grade through senior year of high school.
All "20 Questions with..." Features
Players Mentioned
