FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University senior cross country runner Alisha Royal|Vinton (William Byrd) is this week's Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. She led the Lancers at the Blue Ridge Open hosted by Appalachian State University on October 12 with her time of 18:49 over the 5K course to place 24th among the field of 121 competitors. It was the eighth-fastest 5K time in the program's history, and Royal now owns six of the all-time 10 fastest times for the distance in the 12-year history of the program, posting six sub-19 minute 5K times, including the three fastest 5K times (18:22, 18:23, 18:34). Longwood will race again on Oct. 27 at the Big South Conference Cross Country Championships hosted by Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Question and Answer Session with Alisha Royal
Q: Why did you start running cross country?
A: I started cross country after joining a local running club in South Carolina the summer before fifth grade.
Q: Did you ever play any other sports?
A: I played softball and soccer before I started running. I kept playing soccer and running at the same time until I got to high school.
Q: Outside of athletics, are you involved in any other activities on campus?
A: I'm a member of the Longwood Ambassadors. I’m also the Director of Finance for The Big Event and a member of the accounting association.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: After graduation I plan on going to graduate school to get my MBA and fulfilling the required 150 credit hours so I can sit for the CPA exam. I would like to become an internal auditor.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: My favorite place on campus is the Ruffner fountain. I love sitting there between classes. It is such a pretty part of campus.
Q: Why did you choose Longwood?
A: I decided to come to Longwood after my official visit because I felt completely at home. I loved how friendly the students and professors were. I could see myself being a student and athlete here.
Q: What is your best LU cross country memory?
A: My best cross country memory has to be last year in New York when we raced at IC4A's. I can remember just how exciting the whole day was. I ran a really good race and so did the rest of the girls. My parents were at the race and other teammates’ parents were there. The support was incredible even though we were so far from home.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to young athletes?
A: Not to be afraid of pain and hard work. Just getting involved in a new sport is exciting and nerve-racking, but if they are willing to work hard, there will be no stopping what they will be able to accomplish.
Q: Anything interesting facts about yourself or your family?
A: I always joke that we're a family on the run. My mom is a runner and she is currently training for her sixth marathon. My brother runs for Marymount University, and my dad is a cross country and track coach.
Q: Pre-race rituals
A: I actually don't have a pre-race rituals
Q: You’re in the record books at Longwood. What are your techniques for pushing yourself when running?
A: Before a race, I come up with a strategy and on the day of the race I try and stick with that plan. I work with the runners I know that are running similar times. I try not to look at runners around me so I don't loose focus on my race. It is key to always run your race and be in control of it.
