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 sophomore Abby Balli!
A native of Pasadena, Texas, Balli has competed in all three events to open the year, including a pair of top-20 finishes. Balli placed 13th at the UIW Opener and 18th at the UIW Invitational.
At what age did you begin running competitively?
AB: Eight years old for the City of Pasadena.
Why did you start running competitively / under what circumstances did you begin focusing on the sport?
AB: I started running because I had won our school Get Fit Jog race, which included other schools.
What is your earliest memory of distance running?
AB: Third-grade Get Fit Jog!
Who is your inspiration in competition and why?
AB: My inspiration is my nieces. They have been so supportive and they look up to me.
Who is a former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire?
AB: Allyson Felix. Her strength to continue after giving birth to her premature daughter.
Why did you decide to attend UTSA?
AB: The atmosphere and location definitely made me want to attend UTSA. Also Coach Hartman, I knew he was a good coach and I wanted someone like him to be my coach.
What are your team and individual goals at UTSA?
AB: Team goal is to get top-five at conference. Individuals goal is to break 18 in the 5K and score at conference.
What is your academic major?
AB: My major is business management. I selected it because there is so much that could be done with a business degree.
What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AB: One of my career goals is to work in a hospital as a recruiter. I'd also like to one day own my own business.
What do you enjoy doing outside of running and school?
AB: I enjoy decorating for the holidays and watching movies. And being by the water!
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
AB:I have three dogs! Two are back home, Tyson and Zoe. My other dog, I just rescued here in San Antonio, named Harlee!
What is something most people might not know about you?
AB: I can actually be very shy if put into uncomfortable situations!
What would you like to be known for as a UTSA student-athlete?
AB: I'd like to be known as a good teammate and friend, on and off the track.
What advice would you give to a young athlete who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AB: Keep working hard and never lose sight of the goals you've set for yourself. Think of the sacrifices your parents and loved ones made to get you to where you are at.
- UTSA -
