University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Grace Gibson
03/28/2012 | Women's Track & Field
Editor's Note: Throughout the 2012 indoor and outdoor seasons, we will interview a Spider Track & Field athlete each week and have them answer a set of 20 questions about their lives both in and out of the sport. This week we sit down with sophomore Grace Gibson.
RichmondSpiders.com (RS): In your mind, what sets Richmond XC/Track & Field apart from other programs?
Grace Gibson (GG): I think what sets us apart is that we value strong performances, both athletically and academically. It shows what motivation we all have.
RS: Of all your teammates, past and present, from whom have you learned the most and why?
GG: I learn a lot from Devin [Cassels], the other pole vaulter. He and I do everything together at practice, and we depend a lot on each other to do well at meets. He's great, and I am sad that he'll be graduating this spring.
RS: After resetting the school record in pole vault during the indoor season, what kinds of goals have you set for outdoors?
GG: I want to get on bigger poles and clear higher heights. Another goal is to fix my technique as I turn over the crossbar. I lose a lot of height because my hips aren't where they need to be.
RS: When did you take up the pole vault? Were you at all anxious when first learning the event?
GG: I started pole vaulting in tenth grade after coming to the conclusion that cheerleading just wasn't my thing. I don't really remember being anxious when I first started. I probably got nervous the first time I flipped upside-down on the pole.
RS: Pole vault would seem to lend itself to funny, embarrassing or other interesting stories. Anything stick out in your mind you'd like to share?
GG: I have endless stories from pole vaulting in high school. My high school coach is definitely a character. His name is Coach Triolet, but we all called him "Tree". One memory that comes to mind is when he let us rip the sleeves off his t-shirt during a meet so that he could avoid a farmer's tan. It was a sight to see.
RS: For the layman's sake, can you break down what you as a pole vaulter do at practice?
GG: I do a lot of gymnastics at practice, which most people find interesting. Pole vaulting is just as much of a gymnastics sport as a track and field sport in my opinion. I work a lot on technique, which is essential for pole vaulting. On days that I don't vault, I lift a lot and do sprinting workouts.
RS: Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
GG: I don't really consider this a ritual, but before a meet I try to visualize myself running really fast down the runway and doing everything perfectly. I think it helps me prepare to focus during competition and reminds me what I need to do in order to meet my goals.
RS: What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?
GG: Have fun! It sounds simple, but it is important to enjoy what you put your hard work into.
RS: Who are your role models both in and out of the sport?
GG: My role models in the sport are my teammates and competitors. The best place to draw inspiration is first hand. I often watch girls that are better than me and go, "Wow. Okay, now how do I get there?" My parents are also great role models. My dad ran track and was also a science major at the University of Richmond, so he has always given me helpful advice. My mom and I are also very close. She may not understand everything there is to pole vaulting, but she motivates me to do well and makes it to many of my meets. They're both great!
RS: If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?
GG: Probably "Worst Storyteller". It is literally impossible for me to tell a story in less than 500 words. I lose comic timing in my "funny" stories, and sometimes I just crack up and no one else is laughing.
RS: What is your major and dream job?
GG: I am a Biology major, and my dream job would be a famous wildlife documentarist. My show would be called something cheesy like "Grace's Wild Adventures," and I would travel the world filming and studying all sorts of rare and exotic animals.
RS: What's been your favorite class on campus? Favorite professor?
GG: I had a class freshman year called "What's So Funny?". We learned theories of humor and watched a lot of stand-up comedy. It was pretty interesting. My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Van Meter in Cell Biology. His class taught me how much hard work truly pays off!
RS: Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
GG: Probably the weightlifting room upstairs at the Weinstein Center. I love lifting. It's so stress-relieving!
RS: What is your favorite pro sports team?
GG: I do not have a favorite pro sports team, but I do tend to root for the underdog in any sporting event. It's awesome when they make a comeback and surprise everyone. I know, I know... lame answer.
RS: Who is your favorite athlete? What characteristics do they embody that you find so intriguing?
GG: I really like Bruce Jenner, and not because of his Kardashian fame. He won the gold medal for the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. I have a lot of respect for decathletes because they do pole vault on top of nine other events. Insanity!
RS: If you could spend the day with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
GG: I would spend the day with Pocahontas because her life story is so fascinating! I also have Powhatan tribal roots. Pocahontas went from being the daughter of a chief to somewhat of a celebrity in England. She should have written a book. I'd be curious to ask her what really happened with John Smith.
RS: If you could walk into a room and have any song play, what would it be?
GG: "Dream On" by Aerosmith
RS: Where is your favorite place to eat in Richmond?
GG: I don't leave campus that often to eat. Breakfast at the dining hall is amazing though. I've never had such enthusiasm for breakfast in my life.
RS: Let's say you could have the perfect meal prepared for you. What would it be?
GG: I love seafood, so my perfect meal would consist of lobster, scallops, shrimp and lots of butter.
RS: What's something interesting about you that most people don't know?
GG: I am fairly artistic, and I love to do portraits.
