Meet Kimberley Ficenec
9/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you become interested in distance running?
"I started (running) my junior year of high school. I did volleyball, soccer and track. My junior year I wanted to play volleyball again, but my coach suggested I run cross country instead. He really wanted me to run cross country, so that's really when I started competing in distance races."
Why did you decide to come to the University of Alabama?
"I really liked the campus and the team. I liked Coach (Adam) Tribble a lot, and it clicked with me. I knew the team was being repaired when I was being recruited, so I had to trust the system the coaches had."
What's the best piece of advice you can give young runners?
"Never give up. Keep going even when it seems really hard, because you'll reach your goals."
What's the biggest accomplishment you've had during your career?
"My biggest accomplishment was running 2:06 in the 800 meters for the second time. I beat my personal record from high school which was around 2:06.84, and I beat it last season when I ran 2:06.19."
What's the biggest difference between your freshman year at Alabama and this year?
"It's a lot more intense now. I'm older and I know what I'm doing. I also have to help out with the younger runners, so now I feel like I have to stay more focused. The years have gone by so quickly. I feel like I need to make the most of my time so that I can accomplish my goals before I leave the university."
