Jan. 22, 2009

TIMEOUT WITH Archive

Michelle Reynolds
Equestrian
Senior

What have you done to prepare for this season?
"I made sure that I fully enjoyed my summer break so that I am ready to come back stronger than ever. I also prepared by spending a lot of time thinking about individual as well as team goals, and constructing ways I can assure the goals will be achieved."

What does it mean to be a leader on the team this year since you're a senior?
"Being a senior this year is a little more difficult for our team because it is the first year that we have a graduating class. It is especially important that as the first seniors, we set a good example by taking steps to unify the team. We are doing this through actions such as, helping the freshman acclimate, participating in team building activities, and always having a good work ethic."

What are your goals for this season?
"My main goal is to do everything I can to make sure that Baylor Equestrian is the 2009 Varsity National Champions. Another goal of mine this season, is to help our team continue to grow and become more unified."

How do you think the program has progressed since you got to Baylor?
"Progression is an understatement for our team. We are surpassing everyone's expectations by having more than doubled in size, having one of the best facilities in the Nation, and currently being tied at No. 4 in the coaches poll. It is amazing to see how far this team has come in such a short amount of time and it is so exciting to think about how much potential the team still has."

What is your favorite part about being a Big 12 athlete?
"I love that the team has taught me so much about myself and made me a stronger person. Being a Big 12 athlete has given me the opportunity to learn how to be a better friend, student, competitor, teammate and leader. I also love feeling like I am part of a bigger goal."

What helps you stay focused through the season?
"Throughout the season it is easy to lose focus on the main goal. I find it very helpful to sit down and evaluate where my skills are and figure out where I want to improve. After I have established my end goal, I write down smaller goals that are easier to accomplish that will lead to successfully reaching my end goal."

What advice would you give young athletes?
"Being a student-athlete can be pretty tough sometimes, but it is important to always remember that this is an opportunity many kids will never get. As student athletes we are forced to learn many important skills such as responsibility and time management. I would tell young athletes that these are priceless qualities that they need to work very hard to perfect. We as athletes are fortunate enough to have a warm-up period to practice these skills so that we are prepared for the real world. Also, I would say to be prepared, there will be bumps along the road but getting over them will only make you a stronger person. So, when the going gets tough that is when you need to dig deep and push yourself to be the best."

Compiled by Tiffany Troyer, Media Relations Student Assistant