Photo Courtesy of Muhlenburg Sports Information
By Carly Mersky, Staff Writer
Marissa Kleman is a senior, accounting major on the Susquehanna track and field and cross-country team. She is from Mount Carmel, Pa.
What made you start doing cross country, track and field?
“I started running cross country when I was a senior in high school. However, my first passion was soccer which I started playing at six years old. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL and PCL playing soccer my junior year in high school. After that, I decided to go out for XC instead of soccer my senior year for rehab. I knew I would enjoy it because I love running, but I never knew how much XC would have changed my life. XC is now my favorite sport! I’m fortunate to be able to participate in XC at a collegiate level. I started running track when I was in 7th grade. I always enjoyed participating at my elementary school’s track and field days each year. I knew I wanted to continue running in high school and in college. I gained so many fun memories through the sport of running and plan to continue running after I graduate.”
Who is your favorite professional track star?
“My favorite professional track star is Jessica Hull from Australia. I love her because she is so inspiring to watch and runs the same events I do. I also was able to see her race at the D1 Track and Field Championship in Oregon. She placed 1st in the 1500m which was very cool to watch!”
What drew you to the XC, TF team here at Susquehanna?
“The first thing that drew me to Susquehanna’s teams was their family dynamics. Everyone was so friendly and treated me like I’ve been a part of the team for years. Each year our team continues to grow even closer to one another. I made friendships here that will last a lifetime. I am blessed to have my teammates’ support on and off the track.”
What’s been some of your favorite memories here with the team?
“There have been countless memories I have cherished throughout my 4 years on the XC and T&F teams. My favorite memories include team bonding activities, jamming out to music on our way to a meet, and hearing crazy stories after practice during dinner. All the little things will make me miss Susquehanna even more.”
What has been a student-athlete for the past four years taught you?
“Being a student-athlete has taught me to multitask and be able to lean on others when I am feeling stressed. I am fortunate to have a great support system from my coaches and teammates. When you are a part of a family like XCT&F team, you are never alone. I also learned to be there for others and enjoy the little things in life.”
Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to XC, TF?
“My biggest inspiration is knowing I am getting better after each workout and practice. It is amazing to test my body and be able to accomplish personal records each year.”
What is your advice to the XC, TF first years?
“My advice to the XCT&F first-years is to enjoy every second because life moves too fast. I still remember being a first year and can’t believe I will be graduating this year. Enjoy your time with your teammates and coaches. Before you know it, your time here will be gone. Push yourself in every practice, workout, and race. Please don’t leave here with any regrets, give it your all.”
If you could relive any meet, which one would it be and why?
“If I could relive any meet, it would be last year’s Cross-Country Landmark Championships in Maryland. I enjoyed spending time with my team overnight at the hotel and cheering for the men during their race. This was one of my best races and I placed 3rd overall receiving First Team Conference honors. I couldn’t have done it without the dedication and support from my coaches/teammates.”
What are you going to miss the most?
“I am going to miss a lot of things like spending everyday with my teammates and coaches. The structure of practices and competing at meets will also be hard to leave. The family unit our team has is a special thing to be a part of. It will be hard leaving not only my teammates, but my best friends.”
