University of Massachusets Athletics
Q&A With Cross Country's Christina DeRosa
November 07, 2005 | Women's Cross Country
Nov. 7, 2005
Alli Miller of the UMass Media Relations Department caught up with women's cross country standout Christina Derosa to find out what life is like for the All-Conference sophomore. Find out what makes DeRosa tick and what life is like for a college student-athlete.
Q: What are the personal goals that you have set for yourself for the remainder of your career?
A: My goals are simply to keep improving as a runner. I want to keep getting my times down as well as stay injury free and healthy.
Q: How does cross country at the University of Massachusetts differ from running in high school? Which do you like better?
A: The practices are harder and we run longer and faster in workouts. I really notice the difference in the races because in high school there would maybe be two top runners then the rest of the pack way behind. In college, in big races that we have been going to, there are so many women at a high level that it makes me go faster. I like college running better because it's more competitive, and there are a lot of new faces to race.
Q: How do you manage your time to fit everything in?
A: I take mostly morning classes so I have 2:30 free for practice. During cross country, we have 6:30 AM practices twice a week so it's important to get to bed early. I've been running three seasons since I was a freshman in high school so I guess I am just used to having a busy schedule.
Q: What is the most difficult part of running cross country? The most rewarding?
A: In cross country, we train by running a lot of races to get ready for the conference meet. We have our long runs followed by hard workouts, which is hard on our bodies because we are fatigued. Performing well and getting a personal best, especially at a meet like A-10's, is the most rewarding because you know all your work paid off.
Q: What drew you to UMass?
A: I was not initially recruited by UMass, but while looking at schools in the Boston area, I visited the summer before my senior year. I met with [Coach] Julie LaFreniere and liked what she had to say about the program. In the past, UMass had the record for the most A-10 cross country Championships so that really attracted me. During my senior year, the coach contacted me and was interested in me so I came up for the official visit. I just felt like it was the perfect fit.
Q: What is your favorite part of the University? Why?
A: I like the area of Amherst. Uptown is incredibly cute and has lots of things to do. At first, coming from Long Island, Amherst seemed like a farm town, but you would never know it because there are so many students here.
Q: How does Massachusetts compare to New York?
A: Massachusetts is a lot different from New York. I'm from eastern Long Island, so it is not in the city. I am not too far from the Hampton beaches and I live on the north shore, so I am right on the water. I guess I miss the beach the most, but I am home during the summer to enjoy it. We also are not too far from Boston, so unlike here, there is a city nearby.
Q: What made you decide to become an exercise science major?
A: I was originally a biology major, but when I came on my official visit, I went to an exercise science class with my host. I was very interested in it and I want to do physical therapy because I have spent most of my life running and want to work with athletes.
Q: What is your favorite part of exercise science (favorite class)? Why?
A: I like the fact that I could one day be working with athletes. I want to continue to be involved with sports for the rest of my life.
Q: What would be your dream job?
A: I would like to work in a physical therapy practice.
Q: What do you plan on doing for your birthday? What would be the best present you could receive?
A: I asked my parents for Tiffany's jewelry because I absolutely love Tiffany's. My relatives will probably give me money which I always need. Every year since I was in high school, I have had a meet the weekend of my birthday, so after our last meet (which is on November 12th) I plan on getting together with some friends. The day of my birthday my friend Jenna Elznic (a junior on the team) lives off campus and is planning on making me birthday dinner and cake for some friends.
Q: What is your most memorable event?
A: Lots of my memories come from running, so I guess my most memorable would be at the Penn. relays my junior year in high school. This competition was the biggest and most competitive race I have ever been in. The big stadium was crowded with fans from all over. When I finished, I knew I ran well because I felt well and I beat people I never had before. I just remember seeing my dad with his stop watch and showing me 10:15 which was my personal best.
Q: Who would you be (Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, or Charlotte) from Sex and the City? Why?
A: I would like to say I am similar to Carrie even though I'm not a writer. I feel that I can relate to all my friends on different levels.
Q: What would you say is your biggest achievement?
A: I would say my biggest achievement would probably be balancing everything between schoolwork, running, and being a normal college student.
Q: Would you say that is also your biggest challenge?
A: I would say so, but I don't really consider it an obstacle anymore because I am so conditioned to it. Sometimes it is just hard finding time, but I'm sure everyone can relate to that.
Q: What is in your CD player right now?
A: Everything. Before I run I like listening to Green Day, dance remixes like Tiffany, some Michael Jackson, and rap including T.I. and Kanye West.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Home Alone. I love Christmas time.