Eden Mittelsdorf is a sophomore from Brentwood, Tennessee, who is on the Pepperdine women's cross country and track teams. Her 5K time of 19:59.5 at the season-opening Mark Covert Classic was the second-best time for Pepperdine at the meet, placing her 44th overall:

Q: How are you feeling about the 2022 season?

A: I'm feeling so good. We've gotten a lot of new freshmen and they're all so positive and excited to work. Everyone has been encouraging. Our workouts have been going very well so I'm feeling really good about the season. 

Q: You were the second-best runner at the Mark Covert Classic. How did you feel coming out of that race?

A: I have always loved racing the Mark Covert Classic. It's always been a great meet that they put on. I think I can say for everyone that it was really hot. It was 105 degrees when we were running, so it was definitely really tough. I think it was good placement wise.

Q: Looking back on your freshman year, how do you think it went athletically?

A: I think I've grown so much since my freshman year, not only athletically, but mentally too. I feel like my mental game has gotten a lot stronger. Going into the Mark Covert Classic, I felt less nervous and I felt very confident in my abilities and the abilities of my teammates. The energy was super high. It felt a lot better than last year.

Q: How have you worked to become mentally stronger?

A: I've been working with the sports psychologist at Pepperdine. I've worked with her all throughout last year. I'm pretty religious, so I spend time with the Word. I spend a lot more alone time to reflect on my day and think about what I can do to be a better human, rather than just athletically. I think it's a lot more important to focus on the whole person rather than just their athletic abilities. We are so much more than our sport. 

Q: What's your favorite part about being on the Pepperdine cross country team?

A: My favorite part is the team. Running is such a tough sport mentally and physically because you're putting it all out there on the line everyday. To have such amazing women that I get to train with and compete with everyday has been such a blessing and it's so amazing. I couldn't see my Pepperdine or running career without them. They are such a light, especially the seniors. I hope to be like the seniors when I'm a senior. They are so encouraging and inspiring. 

Q: How would you describe your bond with your teammates?

A: Sisters. It's sisterly love. We joke with each other before races, we hype each other up. If we're having a tough day, we'll text each other funny messages. We send each other funny Tik Toks. It's such a great bond that we have together and I think it's really special. It makes us stronger, especially in workouts. We're always cheering each other on and encouraging each other to move up in races or hit faster splits in our workouts. The seniors do a really good job about leading that and facilitating that environment. 

Q: What's your favorite part about the coaching staff?

A: I love Coach Lauren and Coach Victor. They are both so hands on with their training. There is not a one-size-fits-all plan with them, which I love because each person is valued on the team as an individual. We're not just numbers on a piece of paper. We are so much more. They work so hard to get our splits for each workout and make amazing training plans. 

Q: What goals and expectations do you have for this season?

A: One of our main team goals is to place higher in the WCCs. We did not have a great placing last year and I think it was because we had an end of the season slump. I know with all the girls we have this year it will be possible. Individually, I want to be able to get out there and race with a more positive attitude and no fear. In the past, I've been very fearful and racing very comfortably. I want to let it rip and just have fun. 

Q: You mentioned earlier that you want to be like the seniors when you're a senior. So looking forward to the next three years, how would you like to see yourself grow?

A: I want to be more involved with intentional relationships within the team and off the team. I want to be able to be there for the girls and let them know that I'm a resource. I want to grow and have faster splits and workouts. I want to be more intentional during warm ups and cool downs. I want to make sure that I know that everything I'm doing is building toward my goals. I want to be more goal-oriented as an athlete and as a human being. 

Q: What are you most excited about this season?

A: I'm most excited to race with all of these new girls. I want to step on the line at the WCCs together and feel confident in knowing that we put in the work. We've been working hard since summer and to have our hard work show during that race is going to be so special. I'm excited for everyone to have fun this season and enjoy it. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: We have an invitational meet coming up here at Pepperdine on October 1st. Everyone should come out and cheer us on because it's going to be really fun.