Church ranks among the top high jumpers in the nation |
1. You've really hit the national scene early as you are currently ranked fifth overall and the second freshman in the high jump. How was your first indoor season heading into the NCAA Championships?
Competing indoors was a new experience for me. I didn't really know what to expect when I went into competition. But as the season went on, I really started to feel comfortable and I gained more confidence every time I jumped. I am still learning so much. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my indoor career.
2. As a native of Australia, you come to Kent State as a four-time competitor in the Australian Nationals including being a World Junior qualifier. How has the transition to being a student-athlete in the United States been for you so far?
It really shocked me at first. Everything is so different here in America. The first time I was shown around campus, I was just speechless. I was especially blown away by the sport facilities at Kent. The Fieldhouse was amazing. In Australia we don't have any indoor facilities, so to have one at my own university was just awesome. Our universities don't have track teams, or anything like that, so to be a member of a very talented and supportive team is also a bonus for me. Being a student athlete requires a lot of time management, and I didn't realize how hard it can be, but I'm surviving so far!
3. After coming off your recent Mid-American Conference title in the high jump while helping lead the Golden Flashes to their first ever indoor title, how does it feel to be a part of a championship team?
The Kent State team is a talented and supportive team. I am so lucky to be a part of such a great group of athletes. I was told all about our outdoor team who won in 2002, and that made me more determined to contribute to the victory. Everyone on the team have been so supportive to me, at every meet I always noticed that my team mates would come and support me. It didn't matter where they were, even if they were standing over by the long jump, they would always cheer. That's what I love about them. Our team has great spirit.
4. As your coach, how beneficial has T.J. Pierce been to you on the track and how did he help you in finding out and coming over to Kent State?
T.J. was the main reason I came to Kent. After the first time I talked to him, I realized the opportunity that he was offering and I took it. My mind was made straight away. The reason I am where I am today, is because of T.J. He has taught me so much about high jump, and my technique and strength have improved so much. My mum came over to visit me for Christmas and she was so surprised to see how much my jumping has improved. She couldn't believe the difference in my confidence and strength. All the coaches at Kent have all supported and helped me settle in the American life!
5. What are some of your goals that you would like to set and accomplish during your collegiate career?
To make the Olympics. Always has been and always will be. Ever since I first started jumping, at the age of 8 I have had the same dream. Since coming to the USA, I have become more determined to achieve these goals. I want to jump 1.90m before my college career is over, that is my target height. After that, who knows.
Church with assistant coach T.J. Pierce at the MAC Indoor Championships |
6. With the World Outdoor Championships set to take place this summer, how much are you looking forward to competing for your country and do you plan on training over the summer here in the U.S.?
Yeah, over the summer I am going to train here, with the facilities, I would be crazy not too. I will go home and visit my family and friends cause I miss them so much. I cant wait to compete in the green and gold. It is different training in American and competing for Australia, but my dream has been to represent my country. I'm looking forward to seeing the summer here in America, I'm staring to hate the snow!
7. What have been some of the more technical work you have learned and worked on the most during your first season?
Bringing speed into my plant and takeoff. I have never been strong enough to hold a strong plant, but that's what we have been working on, and that is what has improved so much in my jumping. TJ knows a lot about the technical side of jumping, so that's the area we have really focused on. There are still other aspects of my jumping that need improvement, so we are going to gradually work on those over the coming season.
8. Now that you have almost a full academic year under your belt, what has been some of the more exciting and rewarding times for you at Kent State so far?
Experiencing college life and American culture. Going to basketball games and being a part to the college community. The basketball games at Kent have a lot of atmosphere and experiencing a crowd like that is such a new concept for me. I really get into it. There is so much support for athletes here, and sport in such a big part of American life, I am really get into supporting my fellow athletes.
9. How often will you get to visit your family and friends from back home and how comforting has it been to meet your new teammates and friends on campus?
I actually get to go home in March. The Australian nationals are on, and I will be traveling back to compete in those. Other than that, I only get to see my family once a year. I was lucky this year because my Mum came over to visit me for Christmas. I have also formed a lot of friendships on the team. A lot of people have helped me settle into being in another country. One of my other teammates is in a similar position as me, living so far any from her family, so it has been really comforting to have someone to share the 'homesickness' with. I really miss it at home, but I can still call my family anytime, and we talk a lot on email. I also have an 'adopted family' who take care of me. They have been amazing, and have really helped me through hard times.
10. Based on your experience in the high jump, what is the most important factor for someone to realize before they give the event a try?
The high jump is really a mental event. Sometimes the height of the bar scares a lot of people and psyches them out before they even attempt the height. Once you reach the confidence, the event is a lot of fun. For someone learning to jump, confidence is the first real obstacle, after that, just have fun and enjoy it.
11. What do you enjoy the most and how do you often spend your free time when you are away from the track?
Away from the track, just hanging out with friends means a lot to me. At home I used to go surfing with my brother, but here in Ohio, there aren't really any 'beaches' near by. I enjoy just hanging out and watching movies -- preferably comedy! I play the guitar too, so I often sit and play that for hours. It is really relaxing and helps me unwind. Catching up on sleep is always a favorite too. Nothing beats a day of sleeping, playing the guitar and a visit to Dairy Queen!
12. What would you like to say to your family and friends from back home now that they are reading this?
I just want to tell them how much I miss them. I cant wait to come home and see them again. I think about them heaps and I'm counting down the days until I see them at the airport. I also miss my friends like crazy. To my Chiswick clan, I'll be home soon! Thank you to my family and local community for supporting me the whole time. I appreciate everyone's interest in helping me achieve my dreams. Thank you.