SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA cross country team is three meets into the 2019 season. Before UTSA's next meet in College Station on Oct. 19, get to know a few of the Roadrunners student-athletes. Today, learn all about junior Amber Boyd!
A native of Copperas Cove, Texas, Boyd has competed in all three meets to open the year, including earning a sixth-place finish in the UIW Invitational on Sept. 14!
At what age did you begin running competitively?
AB: 12 years old, in the seventh grade.
Why did you start running competitively / under what circumstances did you begin focusing on the sport?
AB:I found out I was really good at the sport and continued running. I've come to focus more on cross country in college than before. In high school, my main goal was track.
What is your earliest memory of distance running?
AB: Running 5Ks with my mother and sister. I won a stuffed duck at my first one for being the first girl in my age group to cross the finish line.
Who is your inspiration in competition and why?
AB: My family. They're always supportive of me and they help me to keep pushing.
Who is a former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire?
AB: Vincent Watson. He coached me in high school and made me the running I am today and taught me about track.
Why did you decide to attend UTSA?
AB:I really liked the campus and the team felt like a family.
What are your team and individual goals at UTSA?
AB: My individual goals are to place in the top 20 in conference. Our team goals is to play in the top three.
What is your academic major?
AB: Kinesiology. I liked learning about the body and how it functions.
What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AB: To be a physical therapist, working with athletes and children. I've gone through physical therapy and find it fascinating to help people learn how the use muscles and strength them.
Have there been any obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life. How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
AB:I've had two injuries throughout my college career. I had to stop running for both. I had to strength my body where the injury was. That has made me more aware of how my body feels and what I'm doing.
What do you enjoy doing outside of running and school?
AB: Watching TV, reading and puzzles.
What would you like to be known for as a UTSA student-athlete?
AB:An extraordinary athlete and student. And as a helpful person.
What advice would you give to a young athlete who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AB: Keep working hard. Focus on your goals and get help if you need it. Find someone who knows what they are doing to help you excel in your sport. Never give up!
- UTSA -
