UTSA senior Abby Balli is set to race in the Conference USA Cross Country Championships this Saturday, Oct. 29, in Denton, Texas. The Pasadena, Texas, native recently visited with goUTSA.com about how she became interested in competitive running, why she chose UTSA and what she likes to do in her spare time.
How long have you been running cross country?
"I have been running for 15 years. I started running when I was in third grade."
What got you into running?
"Back home in Houston we do this get-fit jog. It's a bunch of elementary schools that meet up at the fairgrounds and do a two-mile course. My dad and I ran together and I remember that we were just running and talking and I ended up finishing first. We entered the run again the following year and we came in first for the second year in a row out of all the other elementary kids. When I entered the race again my fifth-grade year, the city did a news article on me because there had never been a girl who had won three years in a row. After that my parents got me into summer track and I have been competing ever since."
What do you love about running?
"For me I just love being outside, and it makes me happy to run. It clears my head. When I run I feel like it's just me and the world. It thrills me to know that I am so mentally and physically capable to push my body to the edge and just continue to improve, adapt and evolve."
Why did you choose UTSA?
"I really saw what it meant to be on a team. Everyone was so connected and you could see the connections that Coach Hartman had with his female athletes, which isn't something I had with my previous coach in high school, so I knew I wanted that."
What are some of your favorite memories or experiences you've had so far?
"My freshman year of college, traveling to our first cross country championship has to be one of my favorite memories. Being able to go out and compete against girls who are at the same level or a higher level than you was so refreshing.
"Another great memory I have is the conference championship for indoor when I scored. Thinking back on that moment, I remember hearing my teammates cheering my name as I crossed the finish line in second place. Getting the second-place medal I was just thinking 'wow, freshman me would not believe it, third grade me would not believe it!' It was such a big deal because all your hard work and all the stuff you trained for, all those long nights, and all those early mornings paid off."
What are you studying?
"I just started my MBA and I want to work for H-E-B either with in-store operations or become a buyer for H-E-B."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love watching TV. I watch a bunch of shows. I just got done watching 'The Mole' on Netflix, but I also love to watch old Disney movies or reality TV. It just helps take my mind off of things and I can just sit and relax and let my body rest and recover."
