Victory Laps.
Oh, hey, Chrissy! Where have you been? How are you? What have you been up to?
Oh! Didn’t see you there, guys. Sorry. It was such an exciting summer and a stressful first week of classes in my SENIOR/5th/FINAL year/Victory Laps of college, I guess I lost track of time there. What have I been up to? Well…
- I moved out to Amherst, MA Memorial Day weekend and I’ve been living here all summer. Okay, that’s a lie. It’s not Amherst. It’s actually South Deerfield, MA—about 15 minutes down the road from UMass. [Yankee Candle Flagship Store, anyone?] I’m currently living with 2 former UMass Minutewomen pole vaulters. I’m really enjoying it. Rent is WAY cheaper than in Amherst, we’re close enough to the action and also far enough away. It’s perfect. I’ll be here all year.
- An apartment means there are bills to pay, so I’ve also been working. On campus in the Human Resources Office. Off campus at Gillette Stadium/other concert & game venues in New England. Wherever I can. Plus buying a newer and more reliable vehicle doesn’t help the financial situation, so I’ll also be paying off that loan…
- The NCAA Compliance office caught a small issue with my eligibility for the upcoming year, which I was completely unaware of until this summer. It turns out the medical redshirt for my freshman year was not “taken care of” like I was told. I’ve been in contact with both departments here at UMass Amherst & UMass Lowell to straighten it out. It turns out a medical hardship was never filed for my injuries back in 2007-2008 indoor season, so as of right now I am only eligible for outdoor. We’re working on that.
- As far as summer training goes, I certainly could have done more. I didn’t really stick to the program, but I stayed active with jogging & vaulting once a week. Preseason is going to hurt, but it always does.
Now it’s just time to get organized, get focused, and have a great year. Part of that includes thinking about goals for the upcoming year. Coach Jackson likes to have one on one meetings with us at the beginning of the year to set goals for ourselves and he also suggests things to work on as well. I’ve decided to share the goals I have prepared:
Do not knee myself in the face (again). This is crucial to having a great year in athletics and academics.
Stay well rested and take care of injuries. I’ve got more on my plate this year, which means I’ll be more tired. Even if it isn’t always the more entertaining option, I’m going to have to really take care of myself this year
READ. Oh, right. I’m an English major. You would think I’d be better at this, but I’m terrible at staying on top of my reading–especially when I think the book sucks. I love reading, but I’m terrible doing it on a time schedule–especially when I have 4 other classes where all I do is READ. SO, I would like to stay on top of it.
Make Dean’s List. I’ve only done this once. I think it would be cool to do it again. Maybe not.
Jump 12ft (and more). I’m really confident this is going to happen. Jumping went very well this summer and I’m excited to make it happen in competition.
Stay away from track guys—actually, guys altogether. Girls rule. Boys drool. It’s just another distraction and there’s no need for that.
Let’s see if I actually stick with those.
I hope everyone is happy & healthy and I wish everyone a great fall semester! 
