by Jasmine Sanchez
Kayla Pratt is in her second season with the Roadrunners and has emerged as one of the team’s top performers. The Comstock native has finished as the runner-up in three meets this fall and teamed up with freshman Jessica Bitterly to win the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Relays on Sept. 4. Pratt recently visited with goUTSA.com about the season, goals for the upcoming Southland Conference Championships on Oct. 31 and her favorite memories.
How has this season been for you and the team?
“It’s been a great season. This summer, we prepared mentally and physically for this and we’ve been working hard since. We started the season really strong and I am really excited to see it pay off at conference.”
What are your team and individual goals heading into the Southland Conference Championships on Saturday?
“Our team goal is to be the Southland Conference Champions. To me, that would be a dream come true. I have always wanted to be a part of a successful championship team and that has been our number one goal. Initially, my goal was to be top five in conference, but if we are going to contend to be conference champions, I need to step it up. I need to aim higher and my goal now is to be second at conference. Dana (Mecke) is an incredible athlete. She is our senior and a great role model. She deserves to be number one and I would not want it any other way. In order for me to do the best and help my team compete for the conference championship, Dana and I would need to be first and second at the finish line.”
What have you learned from last season and how have you used that experience?
“In terms of being a freshman last year, I learned so much at every meet. Every month and every day was different. My freshmen year was a learning experience. I gathered all those lessons and have applied them to my sophomore year. I know now what to expect at conference, because I have competed against the girls. I know who will be my competitors and who I have to run with.“
Last year, you were a Junior All-American in the 5,000-meter run in track. How has that success helped you prepare for this year?
“It has taught me that hard work and dedication will pay off. You have to try every day and keep trying your best with a positive attitude. If you stay focused and keep a positive attitude, you will benefit from all the opportunities. I make the best of every practice and every meet. If you try hard, success will come.”
What has been the best memorable moment this season?
“The trips are exciting. California was amazing, especially San Francisco. I had never been there before. I was just in awe and thought it was so cool. Arkansas was beautiful. I got to experience how the fall season is really supposed to be. I got to see the red, orange and yellow leaves and feel the crisp air. The atmosphere was such a blessing to have. I get an opportunity to visit all these areas that normal college students do not get. I am just thankful to make memories; not just one specific memory, but a collection of them that I can take with me for the rest of my life.”
Are you looking forward to a nice break after the season is over?
“We are not running machines. We all need breaks, too. It is hard for us runners because we have three seasons, which consist of cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. Whenever we get a week off, we all take advantage of it by having fun and relaxing. I am looking forward to getting a chance to go home, because I have not been home since August. Whenever it is time to flip on the switch again and start running, I will be ready to go.”
