Colorado University Athletics
Getting To Know: Ana Holland, T&F
Tell us about your background. How was your high school experience? What influenced you to get involved in running?
Ana: I started in basketball as a point guard, and I noticed that my best skill was beating people off the dribble with my quickness. When I got to high school, my dad suggested that I go out for track, so I went for it. My freshman year I ended up placing at state, which was exciting because it usually takes a while for sprints to develop. I decided to stick with it from there on out.
What is your favorite running event and how does that influence your training?
Ana: I love the 200-meter, thatGÇÖs my favorite. As far as the transition to college thereGÇÖs a lot more technique to learn, whereas in high school I would just go out and run. Going through the different transitions of my start, my drive phase, to my transition phase, to my float phase, and finishing off strong; I have to try to put it all together. As a freshman itGÇÖs hard, but IGÇÖm hoping that each year IGÇÖll get better and better to the point where it will become second nature.
Any individual goals you are aiming for going into the outdoor season?
Ana: I want to qualify for nationals. ItGÇÖs a big goal, but I think itGÇÖs good to set my goals high.
What has been the best piece of advice or message from Coach Drew Morano this year that you try to take to heart?
Ana: IGÇÖm still a freshman and still have a lot to learn, so he encourages me to keep showing up, keep doing what IGÇÖm doing, and eventually it will all come together.
Who do you look to as role models, both inside and outside the sport?
Ana: I am in love with Allison Felix. She is a big role model for me, and IGÇÖm sure sheGÇÖs a huge role model for many other people in track.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals to help you prepare for a race?
Ana: IGÇÖm not huge into rituals. I donGÇÖt really do anything special. Maybe I should get one. Maybe it will help!
WhatGÇÖs something interesting about you that most people donGÇÖt know?
Ana:Track and school take up the majority of my time. IGÇÖm hoping to get out and try new things, but right now those two things are my main focus.
You won the 60-meter dash at the Joe Davies Open earlier this year. How can you build off of a win like that?
Ana: Winning is always great, but at the end of the race no matter if I win or not, coach always comes to me telling me what I did wrong and what I need to do better. Right now IGÇÖm in a big learning phase, so every time, whether I finish dead last or first, I ask myself what I can do to get better because I know I need to improve a lot.
What is it like to have your older sister (Mia) on the team with you?
Ana: ItGÇÖs both good and bad. Sometimes as siblings we can get along great, and sometimes we donGÇÖt get along at all, but itGÇÖs always good to have family around and know that she will support me.