Name:
Cat Berry ’19
Event:
Sprints
Hometown:
Mansfield, O.H.
Major:
World Politics
Records:
5 indoor track program records in the 60-meter, 200-meter, 300-meter, 400-meter races and the 4×400-meter relay; 3 outdoor track program records in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races.
What advice would you give to the first-years moving forward?
Enjoy it! Being a part of a team is something special. The Hamilton women’s track and field program is the best it’s ever been, and I just want all the younger teammates to soak up every second of each practice and meet. Times will come and [personal records] will happen so just relax and celebrate all the little things!
Any thoughts on your last NCAA competition in May?
I have a few big plans in mind but a long way to go. I’m excited to see the younger teammates get used to the sport and the seniors enjoy their last season. People are doing impressive things already this season!
Name:
Emily Steates ’19
Events:
Jumps/sprints
Hometown:
New Hartford, N.Y.
Major:
Sociology
NESCAC Outdoor Championship:
22nd place in the 2015–16 triple jump; 11th place in the 2016–17 triple jump; 13th place in the 2017–18 long jump, and 17th in the 2017–18 triple jump.
What is your mindset going into meets?
We’ve prepared really well for our competitions, so that day I can really just focus on my technique and block everything else out. Sometimes I’ll listen to a pump-up playlist to get me energized, but it really just depends on the day and how I’m feeling.
What advice would you give the first-years?
My high school coach used to tell me that track is 70% mental and the rest is all in your head. While it’s important to have confidence when you go into a meet and take it very seriously, you also have to understand that your performance isn’t everything. You have to learn to brush off a bad race day and maintain your confidence going into the next competition.
Name:
Andrea Shipton ’22
Events:
Pole vault
Hometown:
Mountain Top, P.A.
Major:
Undecided
Distinctions:
1st place on Jan. 18 at the Continental Indoor Invitational with a height of 3.15 meters; 8th place at the Jan. 26 Utica Pioneer Open, 1st place among Hamilton field athletes.
How do you mentally prepare for meets?
In the days leading up to a meet, I watch videos of my recent vaults almost obsessively and pick one or two technical aspects to focus in on during the meet to help me get over that next highest bar. On meet days, listening to music on the bus ride and while I warm up always helps me focus and calms my nerves.
What would you say to graduating seniors?
I think every day I’m realizing more and more how different this team will be next year without our amazing group of seniors. I love each and every one of them and am grateful for the powerful, positive energy they bring to this team every single day. They have left quite an impact on this program and will really be missed.
