Sept. 29, 2006

Throughout the 2006-07 Lady Eagle Cross Country season, each player will sit down for an interview with a member of the Southern Miss Athletic Media Relations staff to discuss what you want to know about Lady Eagle Cross Country.

This week will feature sophomore Ronna Sandoval.

What do you think about your performances so far? "It's not up to par. I think that I can do a lot better and I'm waiting for the right race to run in. I don't think that I fully prepared myself this summer so I'm working to get back into it."

What do you like most about cross country? "I really like the 5k and I like the diversity of the courses. It's not as stressful as track."

Why did you choose cross country? "We have to run cross country because it's part of distance. It's basically for training purposes. Everything leads up to outdoor track. I've always done cross country because it's required when you're running distance."

What do you think about when you're out there running? "I don't really think about much. I think about my strategy and try to focus on my breathing and posture. You have to remember that you're running as a team and you have to get points. If I'm not too focused, I'll start thinking about what I have to do that day. If it's a really good race, I'll get into a tunnel vision mode."

What did you do over the summer to stay in shape for the season? "I stayed here and lived with Brittany (Wood). We trained together for a while. Basically, I ran on my own and worked as a waitress."

Is it hard training in the summer because you don't have your coach? "It is harder. I have to get myself up in the morning and make myself run after work. It was a lot harder to get myself to do it because there wasn't a scheduled time that I had to be there."

Which superpower would you like to have? "Flying"

Describe yourself in one word? "Laid back"

Which reality television show would you like to be on? "I'd like to be on Made on MTV because I want to learn to tap dance."

What music are you listening to these days? "I've been listening to a lot of blues lately."

What are your biggest weaknesses within sports and in your everyday life? "In sports, if I don't have my team or my coach there I fall back. I don't have much self-discipline. In everyday life, I don't manage my time very well but I'm getting better at it."

If you could go anywhere on vacation without worrying about money, where would you go? "Rome. I've always wanted to go there. I like going to art museums and reading and studying about different cultures."

What's your favorite movie? "I like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and School of Rock."