Get To Know U: Samantha Gonzalez
Get to Know U is a series that introduces the newest members of the Miami Hurricane Track & Field family.
After learning about freshman sprinters Caroyln Brown and Erin Ford and freshman thrower Zakiya Rashid, the latest edition of Get To Know U introduces @MiamiTrack freshman hurdler Samantha Gonzalez.
Name: Samantha Gonzalez
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
High School: Creekview HIgh School
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Five Questions
Q: What has your time at Miami been like so far?
A: I’ve been having a lot of fun. People here are so nice and they’ve made me feel right at home.
Q: What has been your favorite part of being a Hurricane?
A: I’ve been meeting a lot of other student-athletes, and I think my favorite part so far is getting to know other UM athletes that share the same passion for sports that I do.
Q: Has anyone taken you under their wing, shown you around and helped with your transition to college? If so, who, and how have they helped you adjust?
A: Yes, Jaalen (Jones), Breon (Mullings), Carlos (Mangum), and Dakota (Dailey-Harris) have all taken me, and the other freshman girls under their wings. They have helped out showing us around campus and MIami as a whole. They have made the summer session really fun for me.
Q: What has been the biggest adjustment for you since you arrived?
A: Pretty much just being on my own and having to take care of myself.
Q: What are you most excited for about being in college?
A: I think the most exciting part about being in college is meeting new people and learning and experiencing new things.
Fill in the Blank
I committed to Miami over other schools because: I knew that I wanted to be a part of this track team and one of Coach Deem’s athletes.
When I think of Miami track and field, I think of: A passionate group of dedicated athletes.
My favorite part of being a Hurricane student-athlete is: Being able to represent this school and do what I love at the same time.
If I had to describe the team in one word it would be: Family
Coral Gables is different from my hometown because: It’s so beautiful. Back home it’s just neighborhoods and there aren’t palm trees and fountains everywhere.
The biggest adjustment from high school to college has been: Time management. In high school I had lots to do, but here I just find myself having to do more and just having a busier schedule.
When I committed to the University of Miami, I felt: excited. I was just ready to get here. I signed in November (2014) and I was already imagining how great it was going to be.
I love track and field because: It gives me the chance to do what I love, and using the gifts God gave me for his glory.
My favorite moment in my track and field career was: Breaking the Texas State record in the300m hurdles. After an undefeated season as a junior, I had set my goals high for my last season of high school track and it was just great getting to achive what I set out to achieve.
Quick Hits
Favorite Athlete: Georganne Moline
Favorite Professional Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks
Favorite Meal: Grilled Chicken and pasta
Favorite Candy: Chocolate
Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Music Artist: Beyoncé
My first pets were: A couple fish in a tiny little aquarium.
My favorite place on campus is: The smaller fountains by the Merrick Building. That area is just really pretty and peaceful.
My favorite University of Miami alumni is: Lauryn Williams
The farthest place from home I’ve been is: Donetsk, Ukraine
If I could be any celebrity, I would be: Zendaya
If I could take a vacation anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Dubai
In my spare time, I like to: Watch Netflix, or hangout with my friends.
My favorite sport to watch on TV is: Track and Field.
My nicknames are: Sami, Sam, Sam-Bam
