Preseason Preview: Alyssa Gary – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Dec. 29, 2014
Alyssa Gary is looking to continue her upward trajectory entering her third season with the Buckeyes in 2015. Gary, a native of Findlay, Ohio, made huge strides as a sophomore in 2014, placing in the Top 15 in both the shot put and discus at the Big Ten outdoor championships. She took time from preseason prep to reflect on her career thus far and look ahead to the future.
On looking back on past seasons and her Ohio State career thus far
“School in general was a big change, especially coming from a small area to Columbus. In terms of athletics it has been an incredible environment to be in where everyone is constantly pushing themselves to improve. This year we are going to raise the bar and step up as a team. It is going to be more intense, but more fun as well.”
On the transition of training styles from high school to college
“I definitely lifted more in high school and that helped me through an easier adjustment. What was difficult was adjusting to balancing such intense workouts with my course work on top of that. As the years go on it is definitely a more natural flow and rhythm of routine.”
On balancing being a college athlete and student
“I am hoping for many improvements this year. I stayed on campus over the summer and did more work than I thought I was capable of. I trained and took classes all summer. Coach [Ashley] Duncan has stepped up our game and I’m hoping for some great PRs to begin the season, in both the shot and weight. I definitely favor shot over weight because of my experience with it.”
On transitioning from one event to another in a meet setting
“It can be difficult. If you’re having a good day in one event and transition to the next, you bring that confidence and intensity into it. However if you are having a rough day in one event and try to move on to the next, that previous event and feeling can affect the outcome. You can try to forget about it but it just ends up creeping up on you sometimes.”
On training with Coach Duncan
“I have known of Coach Duncan for a few years and it is so awesome to have her here on a daily basis. She makes us work but it only makes us better. You have to understand she does what she does with our best interest in mind.”
On the upcoming season
“The team as a whole, with this new change, is really going to help us when it comes to Big Ten’s and definitely nationals. Individually, my goal is to place high at Big Ten’s in shot and discus, and we’ll see what hammer brings us in the end.”
