Women's Track Q&A: Catie Barilla

Senior Catie Barilla is no stranger to excellence on the Pepperdine's women's track team. In 2016, she not only set the school record in the 400-meter hurdles but also ran on three 4x400 teams that broke the school record. In her final season as a Wave, we discussed her experiences here and what she will be doing after graduation:

Q: What are your thoughts about this being your last year as a Pepperdine University student and your final semester of college track?

A: I am definitely ready to graduate and start the next chapter of my life. It has been a tough four years, but I am thankful nonetheless. In regard to my last track season, my body is ready to hang up the spikes and enjoy some time away from the track. Ultimately, I am going to miss my teammates and the great little community we have created.

Q: What have these past four years of being a Pepperdine Wave meant to you?

A: The past four years as a Wave have changed my life in more ways than one. I have learned the importance of community and leadership, as well as how important it is to have fun. It was a rough start, but I am thankful for my mom and dad supporting me to continue my college career at Pepperdine.

Q: How do you plan on finishing your final college track season?

A: I hope to break my 400 hurdles record, but more than that I want the younger girls to have a successful season. They have been working hard day and night to break records and accomplish their own goals. I hope I can inspire them to believe in themselves and really enjoy running collegiate track.

Q: What have been the highlights of your journey here at Pepperdine?

A: The greatest highlights during my Pepperdine experience were breaking the school records. Not just my own, but every time someone crushed a record it is an incredible moment. When you cross that finish line and see your teammates smiling and running to hug you, the feeling is unmatched. It is a second of pure celebration and happiness, I am so grateful for those moments.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation?

A: Although I have considered becoming a monster truck driver, I think realistically I want to work in a children's hospital. I am not sure if I want to take a medical direction or psychological direction, but I definitely want to help the little ones.

Q: Being the only senior on the women's track team, do you try to be a leader? If so, how?

A: Yes, definitely. These girls feel like my own family and I would do anything to help them. I know how nerve-wracking this individual sport can be, so I try my best to make them smile at least once a day. Although they claim I have "really bad mom jokes," I think they enjoy my dry humor. I really love our little team and try to support the girls in whatever way I can, whether that is a through a pep talk or offering some advice. Ultimately, I try to create a positive environment where the girls feel excited to come to practice every day.

Q: What can you take away, or what have you learned, from being on the women's track team the past four years?

A: The biggest takeaway from being on the women's track team is the importance of community. College can be a rough place on your own, but when you feel you belong to something bigger than yourself it is amazing. I have found track is less about running and more about the lifelong relationships you make with the girls on the team.

Q: What are some words of advice that you would give to the younger runners?

A: If it doesn't bring you joy, don't do it. That goes for anything in life. Run because it makes you happy. I owe all my happiness in track to the friends I have made. They have been there for the lowest lows and highest highs.

Players Mentioned

Catie Barilla

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