Track & Field: Interview With Heptathlete Kelly Ward
University of Connecticut track and field is mere weeks away from competing in their winter season. After competing in the spring last year, a second place finish in the Big East pushes a lot of excitement for the upcoming season. UConn Heptathlete and fifth-year senior Kelly Ward took the time to talk about the upcoming track and field campaign. Ward finished in fourth place in the Heptathlon and eighth place in the high Jump, while also being named team captain.
When discussing the winter season Ward did not hold back her optimism, exclaiming, “I’d say the excitement was definitely high as we finished up our fall semester. We were lucky enough to have an outdoor season when the COVID-19 pandemic first happened but our training year was so off. This year we are finally back with consistent training and we ended fall with an inter-squad meet that gave us a taste of where we are at, and it’s looking like both teams are going to be really strong this coming year.” After having so much success last season, while not having a routine training regime, it’s clear the dedication that the Huskies have put into their craft. With a full offseason in place now, the sky's the limit for this ultra-talented UConn squad.
Ward discussed what the internal expectations are for the team, proclaiming, “I have a ton of confidence in my team. I think we are going to have a really strong chance at doing big things in both indoor and outdoor Big East championships. Everyone has been working really hard and our freshman class is incredibly impressive, so we are going to have some fun with competitions this year.” The continued success for the Huskies is really interesting. The coaching staff has done a phenomenal job bringing in talent to compete year in and year out. Now, adding a Freshman class like this one, the Huskies confidence level should not lessen.
Like all teams dealing with the hurdles that the pandemic presents, key players tend to step up and emerge to hold their unit together. The leadership role was not lost on the UConn track and field team. Ward pointed out a few individuals who stepped up.
“I’d say Mia Nahom, Mikayla Rodgers, Taylor Woods and Emma Chee all have really strong, impressionable work ethics on and off the track that our entire team feeds off of, especially paired with their seniority. I also think Emily Lavarnway has made a big impact on our energy and competitiveness, which has been really cool to see since she’s only been with our team for a few months. She’s going to be a big asset during the season.”
With so many leaders stepping up, it’s no wonder there is a ton of health in the UConn track and field program.
Ward also alluded to some personal and team goals, as they enter the winter season. After finishing the spring competition with placements in the Big East, Ward issued personal goals.
“The big goal is always the same: make it to nationals. But since it’s my last year, I also really want to be a forceful presence at conference championships, while also being present in my final seasons. I want to enjoy my time, which sounds so minimal but I can get really critical of myself if I feel like I’m not doing what I want to do. I’m aiming to really have fun at every meet and recognize how far I’ve come during my time as a track athlete.”
The motivation is high for Ward, as there is only one season left to meet these goals. She also touched upon the expectations and goals for the team in the winter season stating, “The women just missed out on winning the Big East last year, so we are coming back with a vengeance this year. We’re hoping to keep a healthy team, see growth, and sweep the Big East in both seasons.”
The Huskies will be out for revenge, as second place seems to have left a sour taste in their mouths. With the star-studded incoming freshman class and the returning roster, they will have every opportunity to sit atop the podium.
