Oct. 20, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - The Most Outstanding Women's Field Performer of the 2008 CAA Championships is preparing for her junior season at Mason. Ryann Hendricks took first place last spring at the CAA Championships in the long and triple jumps, qualifying for the ECAC Championships and the NCAA East Regional Championships. She sat down to answer a few questions about her time at Mason with GoMason.com.

Question: What was it like being named the Most Outstanding Women's Field Performer of the CAA Championships last year?
Hendricks: It was an amazing moment. Coach Allen and I worked from the beginning of the season to make improvements to my approaches and landing. Winning that award was the realization of our efforts. It was really cool.

Question: What have you learned from competing in the NCAA East Regional Championships that will help you perform better in the future?
Hendricks: Our relay team went to the regionals when I was a freshman and I learned that the competition was tough and if you don't bring it all you go home. Qualifying in my second and third seasons taught me that the NCAA Regionals begin in preseason conditioning. To compete at that level and succeed you have to focus and know that each jump is a new meet. Basically, eat sand or go home.

Question: How does the team look this season from your perspective?
Hendricks: I'm excited about this season. We are conditioning and gearing up for some broken records. Despite losing a great runner (and good person), our team is still intact. We've got great coaches and we've added some newcomers that are hungry, focused and willing to do what it takes.

Question: What made you choose to come to Mason?
Hendricks: Mason has a rich legacy in academics and women's track and field. It was one of the smaller schools I had to choose from but it had the biggest heart and spirit. Mason is dedicated to the student and the athlete and that was key for my family and I.

Question: How have Coach Gerard and his staff helped you improve as an athlete?
Hendricks: Coach Gerard brings a different philosophy to the game. He empowers his staff to do what they do. We are more focused in the preseason and have more specific short- and long-term goals. Track is an individual team sport, so he and our coaches work to make each link strong to support the whole team chain.

Question: How are you able to find a balance between the demands of being an athlete with the demands of also performing well in the classroom?
Hendricks: My faith is my balance. My e-mail signature says "It's Fun to do the Impossible" and only faith in God can achieve that. For me being prepared, focused and humble are important. I try and remember that what God has for me is for me, and always, always remember to take time to laugh.

Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
Hendricks: I read a lot. I enjoy watching Law & Order marathons, playing Nintendo Wii, cooking and going to massage therapy. I also call my little sister back home a lot too.

Question: What is on your iPod?
Hendricks: A little bit of everything. It's pretty eclectic - India Arie, New Edition (gotta love the old school), Gospel/Inspirational, Pop, Reggae and Hip Hop.

Question: What has been your favorite class at Mason?
Hendricks: That's a tough one. I'd have to say my internship at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. It's cool applying everything I've learned in the last three years. It gives me an opportunity to fine tune my strengths and understand my weaknesses as I prepare for the next step.

Question: What is your major and why are you interested in that field?
Hendricks: Exercise Science. As a collegiate athlete I understand the value of proper nutrition and physical fitness. I plan on being a part of making our inner city youth understand the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyles regardless of their participation in sports.