SPOTLIGHT: RIVERSIDE TIGERS' SARAH HOLLIS
I want to be remembered as an athlete who had a big impact on the program at RCC, whether it’s helping the team win more titles or even possibly breaking school records.
NAME: Sarah Hollis
SPORT: Cross Country
ACHIEVEMENTS: Signed with Cal State Fullerton
Who got you into Cross Country and when did you start playing?
My high school PE teacher/cross country coach Janice Kelley is the one who influenced me to start competing in cross country. I began competing in cross country my sophomore year in high school but have loved running ever since I was younger.
If you weren't running cross country, what other sport would you want to play at the college level?
If I were to not be a distance runner, I would want to follow my other passion and be a high jumper in track which is what I spent most of my focus on while I was in high school.
What makes Coach Smith the type of coach you love to play for?
One of the best parts of being runner for coach Smith and coach Wilson is not only do they have a deep knowledge and interest in the sport, but they also make practice a fun environment and care so much about the team wanting every single person to be successful in accomplishing our goals.
What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
I am majoring in child and adolescent develop in hopes of becoming a teacher with my favorite class being early childhood development.
What is your perfect pre-game meal?
Ideally before all my meets the night before I eat pasta and the morning of I keep it simple with a bagel and oatmeal for my morning races. 
Walk us through your pre-game warm up.
About an hour before my races I will do a 20-minute jog with my team followed by returning to the tents to do drills and stretches. After this about 15 minutes before my race I will go off by myself to relax and visualize what I need to do to be successful in the race. Finally, once on the line right before my race I will pray with my team and give last minute words of encouragement for my team.
What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
- Rise About by bonnie x clyde
- Feel it by yellow claw
- Good day by yellow claw
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
Days I don't have practice I really enjoy just hanging out with my friends.
Who on the team are you closest with?
My two closest teammates would be Carissa Gomez and Samantha Chapa.
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style would be a very encouraging style. I feel that when you show support and interest in what everyone is doing they are more willing to listen and do what is being told.
Once you're done at Riverside City College, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as an athlete who had a big impact on the program at RCC, whether it's helping the team win more titles or even possibly breaking school records. In general I just wish to leave a positive impact on such a great program.
What is the plan once you graduate?
After RCC I will be going to Cal State Fullerton to continue my running career and work to get my degree to become a teacher and coach for cross country.
What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at Riverside City College?
I just want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and pushed me to get to this point. I know that if wasn't for them I would never have been able to accomplish all the amazing things I have done.
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