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BEVERLY, Mass. – In our sixth installment of #TrackTuesday, we get to know women's cross country and track & field student-athlete Kiera Malone (Woburn, Mass.).

Endicott Athletics (EC): Are you excited to return for your fifth academic year, and also run on the women's track team?

Kiera Malone (KM): Truthfully, I do not think it is more possible for me to be any more excited than I already am. Though I loved my previous major (exercise science), one of my internships helped me realize that it was not for me, which led me to change my field of study. Because I made the change late in my college career, I was set back in terms of when I would graduate, but I do not mind in the slightest because that means more time to focus and more time to compete.

EC: Talk about being a leader on the women's cross country team and how that will translate to women's track?

KM: Being a captain for two consecutive cross country seasons has been an honor in the sense that not only do I love competing, but I also want to help others find that passion and focus on finding success in the heart of grueling workouts and parts of a race that seem like it will never end. I have made sacrifices putting the team before myself and keeping everybody on the same page. Though track is an extremely different setting than cross country, I have faith that my passion and leadership will undoubtedly grow stronger moving into and throughout the season.

EC: How has Endicott prepared you for future success, especially as a Biology (Pre-Med) major?

KM: Although I unfortunately changed my major, Endicott has prepared me well for the transition. Prior to a change in field of study, I was able to search for internships and network, so there was not much I needed to adjust to. As a biology major, I have the world at my fingertips at school with labs, virtual anatomy tables, and experience with a cadaver lab. If I was not a Gull, I cannot imagine how far behind I would be in academics and the professional world.

EC: What legacy do you think your class will be leaving on the XC program?

KM: Before I was a collegiate athlete, the cross country team barely had ten athletes, men and women combined. With recruiting, finding devoted and talented student-athletes, and making the correct decisions, the program has developed incredibly. My class has kind of seen it all. However, the program would not be what it is without our amazing three coaches. They made such intelligent assessments, which essentially has kept this team together and growing. I believe my class' legacy will be making sure that aside from school, team comes first and it is a family.

EC: Talk about your major and the opportunities you have been able to experience through it at Endicott.

KM: Early into college, I suddenly became aware of how privileged I am to have grown up and lived in New England, especially Boston. With a passion in healthcare, there are so many hospitals, clinics, and labs nearby that open so many doors for young students like me. Additionally, many of the professors have experienced what their students are going through so it only makes it more helpful to discover opportunities.

EC: Describe your optimal teammate.

KM: A teammate is more than someone who is simply on the roster. You need to not only show up every day physically, but so does your legitimate effort. As Steve Prefontaine – one of the greatest runners of all-time – stated, 'To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift'. As a teammate, you have to do what is asked of you and perform with 10-times extra effort. You need to be willing to carry the team on your back when someone falls short; because a real teammate knows that a real team is a family, for better or for worse.

For more information on the women's track program click here: Endicott Adds Women's Track | Video Interview w/ Coach Lange. 

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