Emily Berry Signs With Mississippi College

Coach Comment: How is your athlete as a person and a competitor?  What is his/her best attributes?Emily is an extraordinary human being period. Coaches do not get many Emily Berry's to work with and I'm grateful for that. Emily is extremely respectful, considerate, and well mannered. Her parents raised her right. On the Track she is a fierce competitor that strives to her best and leaves it all on the track, she knows how to go to and beyond limits when it matters most. Her elite mindset is probably her greatest strength, along with a great combination of speed and endurance. Her best attributes is she communicates well, along with watching her daily training and seeing how that affects her we can make micro adjustments to the season plan. She's had her best off season period yet and should have an incredible season.-William Ritter, High School personal coach

Athlete: Emily Berry, Bullard, Texas

What is your GPA and ACT score?

 GPA: 5.2 (weighted)  ACT:29

Describe why you choose College and what you liked on your visit to the college.

 I chose Mississippi College because I felt like the school could help me grow as Christian in my faith as well as an athlete and a student. On my visit I really enjoyed the community and family atmosphere of the team. The team went bowling and it was really neat to see how genuine they were with each other and they were super encouraging the next morning on their runs. 

Is there any other athlete that might have helped influence your signing.

My twin sister is a basketball player and will be playing at East Texas Baptist University next fall. Her opinion of the schools I looked at was extremely important to me. She knows me better than anyone else and wanted the best opportunity for me.  

What are you most looking forward to about your future career as an athlete at College?

 I look forward to becoming a stronger runner and being part of a team that I believe has the opportunity to be really successful. 

What is your favorite workout your Coach has you do?

 Hill repeats and long runs.

What is your least favorite workout?

 Mile repeats

What motivates you to run?

The feeling of self-satisfaction I get after completing a run motivates me to run. God has given me a gift and it motivates me to use it for Him.  

What do you think about when you're running?

I like the solitude of running. During a long run I let my mind wander as long as it is positive. On days I have tougher workouts I like to think about how my workout will benefit me in the future. 

Do you have any superstitions on race day or perhaps an odd pre-race routine?

  I'm superstitious about having to wear compression socks on race days. 

Gatorade or Powerade?

Gatorade (light blue) 

Jersey, aka Singlet, tucked or untucked?

Tucked 

Do you have a favorite meal for the night before a race?

My favorite meal for the night before a race is grilled chicken with a sweet potato and some type of green dish like a spinach salad or green beans. 

Do you take ice baths?  If yes, what do you think about during an ice bath?

 Yes, I usually think about what I have done previously in the day and what I need to do next. 

Name a lesson that running and training as a runner has taught you.

Your body is capable of incredible things, but you have to listen to your body and take your recovery as important as you take your training. 

Do you have a rival runner? 

 Yes, but we are friendly and cordial with each other when we aren't racing. 

What do you do to recover after a race?

I elevate my legs, hydrate, and eat a snack like peanut butter crackers after a race. 

How do you intend to balance academics and athletics in college?

I plan to balance academics and athletics in college by focusing on being organized and managing my time well. My hope is to graduate with my degree in my four years from MC.  

What is the strangest thing you've seen during a race?

 All the competitors and I were lined up and the gun was about to go off. The girl next to me just all of the sudden starts throwing up. I asked her if she was okay and she replied that she thought she was just going to yawn. 

Who is your biggest fan?

 My family and my best friend Perry. She was a junior in my freshman year of high school. She helped me at my first meets and has continued to come to my races even after she graduated. 

What advice would you like to share with younger runners just starting out their high school careers?

 Be persistent and consistent in your training. You will only be as good as you want to be. If you put forth the effort you will eventually see the results you desire.

 High School