CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Maraya Slatter (Benson, N.C., West Johnston) has been named the November InterCon Female Student-Athlete of the Month. The announcement comes from the Department of Athletics.
Slatter, a freshman, led the women's cross country team to a runner- up finish at the NCAA DII Southeast Regional Championships with her NCAA All-Region 5th-place finish. Queens narrowly missed the team title by a single point finishing second to Columbus State 68-69.
Slatter's performance helped the Royals earn their first-ever NCAA National Championship berth. Slatter finished as Queens' no. two at the NCAA National Championships in 81st place, helping the unranked Royals to a 20th place team finish and a 136-point defeat of regional champion Columbus State.
Members of the sports information office caught up with Slatter to ask here a few questions.
How does it feel to be Student Athlete of the month?
Great! Out of my achievements for cross country, I can say this would be the one i'm most proud of.
Why did you choose to attend Queens?
A big part of my decision on deciding if I should come to Queens was the running program Queens has to offer but I had also fell in love with the area and size of Queens. It's a perfect match.
What are your career goals?
I'm undecided as of right now but would like to find a major and pursue a job that allows me to travel and support a family. Though my dream would be to become a professional runner.
What does it take to be academically successful at Queens?
Balance either between sports and academics or your social life with school work. I found prioritizing very important as well. I'm very fortunate to have a coach that is willing to also work with my schedule and allows me to focus on my academics when it's appears to be more important.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
Like I said i'm very fortunate to have a coach that I can call and say hey coach I have class or and extra credit project I really would like to work on is that okay and no would never be the answer.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Study!
Any rituals before a race?
Well I always have my race socks, and me and the girls make sure to pray and say a little something funny to ease the nerves for only a second but it's the thought that counts.
What is your favorite quote?
"My sport is your sports punishment"
-Nike
What are your goals for your team this season? (or next season)
Just to improve and hopefully become as famous as our guys team. We're on our way too!
What are your favorite cross country memories here at Queens?
Conference was one of many great memories, having the school out and having the massive crowd cheer for us on the McAlpine hill was just plain awesome and anytime I have to do that hill for a workout or for whatever reason I just play the crowds voice in my head and I fly right over it.
What is the most rewarding part about being a student athlete?
Honestly it's the fact that I can represent Queens and that each one of us can help get the name out there and the better we do the more talk we hear from people. Running is also a way of life for me and knowing that as I become more successful in my running and I can also do the same in my academics which opens up such a variety of careers for me in the future.
Anything else you would like to share or something people may be surprise to learn about you?
To get me through most of my runs I like to think of funny situations or picture people doing just random things and it always works. I love to laugh, especially when i'm running and the girls pick on me for this but I know they like it to. With being a student athlete your always serious and you have to be don't get me wrong but when I run it's me and nothing else but my funny thoughts and jokes.
