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Junior Stephanie Garcia opened her outdoor season hitting the NCAA Regional qualifying mark in the steeplechase. In her previous two years of competition, Garcia earned all-region honors in both seasons, won an ACC Championship and ECAC Title in the steeplechase and was the 2007 USA Junior National Champion in the event.
Garcia and the Cavaliers will head to Columbia, Mo., for a scored dual meet the Missouri Jefferson Duals – on Friday and Saturday. Events begin at 2 p.m. on Friday and 10:30 a.m., on Saturday.
Question: Would you consider the steeplechase “your” event?
Garcia: I definitely consider steeple my event. It’s been my passion for the past three years and its the area where I feel my athletic strengths come through the best.
Question: How does it feel to be back outdoors competing?
Garcia: Honestly, it feels amazing. I do love cross-country and indoor track, but stepping onto the outdoor track is right where I belong. Racing outdoors really opens you up and allows you to bring all of your energy into the race.
Question: What initially sparked your interest into running the steeplechase? When did you start competing in it?
Garcia: I had never even heard of the steeplechase until I found out I was coming to UVa. The challenge of the race really attracted me, and when I heard that our former coach, Jason Dunn, steepled in college, I asked him when I arrived if I could try it out. Whether he was surprised by my determination or whether he saw some talent in me, we’ll never know. But he began training me and here we are today. I was never even allowed to hurdle in high school – I was told I wouldn’t be good at it.
Question: You won a USA Junior National title, an ACC title and an ECAC title in the event. Which do you find as the most rewarding?
Garcia: I am very proud of all those titles, but I think the ACC gold medal is my most rewarding. To win your home conference – and the ACC is one of the most competitive in the country – is a huge honor and it had a greater impact on our team’s overall accomplishments. I think the title I’ll have to work the hardest for is a repeat ACC championship – this year is going to be tough!
Question: With those three accomplishments already under your belt, along with a trip to NCAAs, what are your goals for this season in the steeple?
Garcia: I want to finally break past the 10-minute barrier (my personal-best is 10:15) and winning the ACC again would be amazing. While I’ve been to NCAAs for the past two years, I never seem to be able to make it past the semi-final rounds– so above all else, I plan on finally making it to the final and earning that All-American title.
Question: What about your future goals in the event?
Garcia: The steeple is still a growing event for women, so making a big impact is not an unattainable goal. I hope to continue making progress over the next two years and after that, who knows? The 2012 Olympic games are not too far off.
Question: Do you have any other team goals for this season?
Garcia: I think we are going to have an amazing year as a women’s team. We should definitely bring more of a presence to the ACC Championships and hopefully bring more women to the Regional meet than we have in the past. I just hope we continue to stay unified and passionate about the season as a squad. And be sure to watch out for our 4x1500m relay at Penn Relays, we will definitely be in the top finishers.
Question: This upcoming weekend, you head to Missouri for a scored dual meet. Do you enjoy the scored meet atmosphere?
Garcia: To the competitive athlete, a scored atmosphere always adds extra flavor to a meet. It’s always fun to have good competition, but when you race for the glory of your school, it makes you work a little harder subconsciously.