Colwell’s court: Natalia LaSpada — Cross Country

The Hopkins women’s cross country team earned its fourth NCAA National Championship in five years on Nov. 19.

Hopkins saw strong performances from a number of top runners. Notably, two former Athletes of the Week, senior Tess Meehan and sophomore Felicia Koerner both finished among the top 30 and earned All-American status. Although The News-Letter would like to commend these athletes, along with the entire team for their victory, this week, we welcome sophomore Natalia LaSpada to the court.

LaSpada had been a consistent runner in the Jays’ top seven leading up to Nationals. After a fourth place finish at the Centennial Conference Championships, LaSpada was named to the All-Centennial Conference First Team.

The sophomore then went on to finish eighth at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, earning herself All-Regional honors.

However, both of these impressive feats paled in comparison to her performance in Kentucky over Thanksgiving break.

With a time of 21:51.1, LaSpada not only ran a personal best, but also earned All-American status. Placing 31st amongst 280 of the nation’s best runners, there is no question that LaSpada deserves recognition as this week’s Athlete of the Week.

The News-Letter: Following the team’s ninth consecutive NCAA Mideast Regional Championship on Nov. 12, how did the team prepare in the week leading up to Nationals?

LaSpada: The team spent the week before nationals recovering from our regional race. We did one last tune-up workout and slightly reduced training volume so that we would be well-rested for Nationals.

N-L: Does Nationals bring any added pressure? How do you handle it mentally?

LaSpada: There is definitely added pressure for Nationals, since it is the most important race of the year. However, I think the team does a great job of keeping the excitement level high and really focusing on enjoying the whole weekend. This helps us all feel relaxed and ready to tackle the race rather than getting insanely nervous.

Of course, nerves are inevitable, but we try to focus on getting excited more than anything else!

This year, for the Nationals banquet, we all wore Hopkins Christmas sweaters with light-up bow-ties. It was fun.

N-L: In Kentucky you not only earned All-American status but also ran a personal best. What do these accomplishments mean to you?

LaSpada: Even more than a week later, I still cannot find the words to explain how much it means to me to be a part of this team and to have become an All-American. It means the world. I never would have imagined that I could accomplish that.

More than anything though, I am so proud of my team. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to have gotten the chance to compete alongside such an amazing group of girls.

N-L: How excited was the team as a whole to win its fourth NCAA National Championship in five years? What does this victory mean for the Hopkins women’s cross country program?

LaSpada: The moment that we found out we won was incredible, and it was made even more special because we had so many teammates come out to spectate and cheer us on, who were then there to celebrate with us.

I think for the Hopkins women’s cross country program, the win just demonstrates the depth and strength of the program. We will continue to push ourselves in the hopes of becoming the best team we can possibly be.

N-L: Following Nationals, your coach, Bobby Van Allen, was named USTFCCCA D-III Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. How important has Van Allen been to the team’s success?

LaSpada: Coach Bobby and Coach Kim are absolutely amazing coaches. Their positivity and experience make a huge impact on the team, especially since we only returned two of our top seven from last year. Coach Bobby really helped us prepare in the days and hours leading up to the race.

N-L: Looking ahead to the upcoming indoor track and field season, do you any have personal goals for this winter?

LaSpada: I am really excited for the indoor season! I’m looking to break my personal records in the 3k and 5k.

It would also be incredible to qualify for indoor Nationals. I am looking forward to continuing to put in the work alongside my teammates.