CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Queens University of Charlotte is pleased to announce women's cross country runner Jessica Neville has been named the November InterCon Female Student-Athlete of the Month. Neville is a first time honoree and the first member of the women's cross country team to be named InterCon Female Student-Athlete of the Month.
Neville, a sophomore from Cold Spring, N.Y., became the first women's cross country runner to advance to a NCAA National Championship after placing in the top five at the Southeast Region Championship on Nov. 8 in Wingate, N.C. Her impressive run helped the team garner a 10th place finish at the Southeast Region Championship.
At the NCAA National Championship Neville represented Queens well. In extremely tough conditions, Neville ran a tough race to place 85th overall.
Members of the sports information office caught up with Jessica to ask her a few questions.
How does it feel to be Student Athlete of the month?
I feel honored. I'm excited to represent Queens and the women's cross country team.
Why did you choose to attend Queens?
I choose Queens because of the small school atmosphere and because I saw potential for myself here as a student athlete.
What are your career goals?
I am currently majoring in psychology. I know that I want to be either a counselor or a clinical psychologist, and am considering specializing in either sports or family psychology.
What does it take to be academically successful at Queens?
Motivation, a strong work ethic, and a desire to work hard and be successful.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Effective time management is crucial. I frequently have morning practice in addition to classes, homework, and afternoon practices so scheduling specific times to do my homework and study is really helpful. I take my homework with me when we travel for meets and try to use any other free time I have to do something productive.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I outline the chapters that I know will be on the test a few days before the exam and then review it on my own or with a classmate the day before the test. It takes me a while for information to sink in so constantly reviewing material is a really effective way of studying.
Any rituals before a game?
I usually just go for a warm-up on my own or with teammates, and then go over my race plan with Coach Jeff one more time before doing some strides and heading to the start line.
What is your favorite quote?
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. --Dr. Seuss
What are your goals for your team this season?
It would be amazing if everyone on the team could run a PR in their event. I would also love it if we could put together a distance medley relay team that qualifies for indoor nationals.
What are your favorite cross country memories here at Queens?
Representing the women's cross country team at nationals is by far my favorite memory. This past season I've become really close with the women on the team. I wanted to run a good race for them more than for myself. Having my teammates who drove eight hours just to watch the boys and I race definitely helped me achieve that goal.
What is the most rewarding part about being a student athlete?
Knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself. The women hope to be a nationally competitive team sometime in the very near future, and it is exciting to know that the work me and my teammates are doing is helping to set the standards for future Queens athletes.
What is one fun fact people don't know about you?
I am one of 5 kids who all have names beginning with the letter “J.”
