Going the Distance: Taneisha Cordell
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami track and field teams have been hard at workand begin the indoor season at Kentucky this weekend. Each week,HurricaneSports.com has introduced you to members of the cross country andtrack and field programs.
Be sure to follow UM track and field on Twitter (@MiamiTrack) for the latestnews on the squad.
Continuing on the “Going the Distance” series, find out aboutsophomore middle distance runner Taneisha Cordell…
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: New Albany
Major: Broadcast Journalism/Public Relations
Whydid you decide to attend the University of Miami?
I chose the University of Miami because it was theone school that fit me best, both academically and athletically.
Whatis the best aspect of being part of Miami’s track teams?
Thefact that the team is small gives everyone the opportunity to make an immediateimpact. Everyone’s talents and strengths are showcased throughout the season,which I love because you don’t see that at a lot of other schools. It alsoguarantees a lot of attention and criticism from the coaches on and off of thetrack.
Youhave accomplished quite a bit while at Miami. What do you feel is your biggestaccomplishment throughout your collegiate career?
My biggest accomplishment would be me strengtheningmy mentality when it comes to getting through workouts and competing. I havegrown a lot in that aspect, which I am very excited about.
Whohas had the biggest influence on your career?
My mom and AAU coach, Robert Talley. Without thesetwo I would have never made it to where I am now. My mom was the one whointroduced me to the sport (I hated at first), and continues to push me to domy very best no matter what. She’s my biggest fan and motivator. Coach Talleywas the one who saw my potential, brought out my confidence and trained me tobe great at a very young age.
Whatare some of your goals for the season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to competewith confidence, continue to grow mentally and to PR of course.
Haveyou ever played any other sports?
Basketball was the first sport I every played. Iplayed from elementary to my freshman year of high school. I was also acheerleader when I was little.
Whatdo you feel was the biggest challenge you came across in since your arrival?
Adjusting to training at the collegiate level wasthe most difficult and a little frustrating. My body went through so manychanges my first year due to weights, my diet, etc., which was weird once Istarted running. It took a lot of getting used to.
Whatis/are the biggest difference(s) between high school and competing at thecollegiate level?
Competing at the collegiate is a job/business! It’smore serious and demanding compared to high school. Still fun, butyou develop a more mature mindset and respect for the sport.
Whatdid you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before a meet?
I pray a thousand times before and during a meet. Ialso like to listen to music to get focused and drown out everything around me.As a team, we go through our warm-up routine, motivate each other and keep eachother from have passing out due to nerves.
Whatis your favorite workout?
WALKING…just kidding. I like ladder workouts.Working down the ladder. (800,600,400,200,100, for example.)
Whatdo you do away from running and studying to relax?
When I am not running or studying I am most likelysinging, blasting music or blogging.
Threewords to describe you?
Goofy,spontaneous, outspoken.
