Q & A with the ‘Cats – Get to Know Kaelia Neal

Year in School: Freshman 

Home Town: Salem, Oregon

Major/Minor: Mass Communications

Why did you come to Linfield?

I came to Linfield because I knew I would get a great education and I would be competitive athletically.

What is your fondest memory thus far from your time at Linfield?

I cannot think of one memory in particular that is my favorite but if I could, I know it would be with my cross country/distance team. We have a lot of fun.

What is it that you enjoy most about cross country?

I love running in general so cross country is easy to love. I enjoy the types of workouts we do and the fact that we have a large team so there is always someone to run with. I like this sport because you compete individually but also as a team. There are many goals you can set and achieve in running.

Who is your athletic hero/role-model?

I do not have a favorite right now but I did like Galen Rupp a lot because he went to a high school relatively close to mine and so I feel I can relate to him. I like his story and the idea of him being “a modern Prefontaine” is also very inspiring. I also love Mary Cain because she’s a beast. Simple as that.

Do you crinkle your race bib number or leave it smooth?

I leave it smooth. I like to be as “clean-cut” as I possibly can before starting a race. It gets destroyed at the end of race anyway so it doesn’t really matter but leaving it smooth is part of my routine.

What’s your most embarrassing athletic moment?

Most embarrassing moments would have to be any time my spandex ride up during races. I have a love/hate relationship with spandex.

What is your favorite movie?

I love movies so my answer always changes. Right now my favorite is Primal Fear.

What song is most played on your iPod?

PCH by Jaden and Willow Smith

What is your homepage on your computer?

I don’t have one - I just use Firefox.

What words of wisdom would you offer to a college-bound high school senior?

A lot of talented athletes just quit sports after high school if they do not get athletic scholarships. It may be a little more work academically but if you can manage, do not give up on sports and continue them at a school like Linfield where you can get a great education and compete in intercollegiate sports. If not, go to a school where you can challenge and push yourself to limits you never thought you could. School will be hard. Time management, setting priorities, being involved, homesickness… there are many issues to overcome, but one day it will all be worth it.

Kaelia Neal pushing the pace up front in an early season xc race.