The transition from high school to university athletics can be challenging for any first-year student-athlete. Brought to you in partnership with Outcast Upcycled Nutrition, we’re featuring first-year athletes from each of our seven varsity sports each month this season. This month we take a closer look at women’s cross country runner Danielle Keefe and her path to the AUS!
Keefe is from Fredericton, N.B. and has been running competitively since grade eight. She is majoring in kinesiology and spending her first term in New Brunswick.
Q: How long have you played your sport?
A: I’ve been running since grade three, which is when elementary schools let you start cross country. As an eight-year-old, I’d be practicing how many times I could run around my neighbourhood to “train” for my school races. I was simply running for fun throughout elementary and middle school, and I was only training when it was cross country and track season at school and did other sports in the meantime. It wasn’t until grade eight when I joined Fast Tracks and started to compete outside of school at meets around the province.
Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
A: Growing up I played recreational soccer and basketball as well as skiing with my family. When I was in middle school, I wanted to play on all the teams and played a variety of sports. I ran cross country, played soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field. I also played club volleyball for three years, but in grade 11, I decided to focus on running and trained full time with Fast Tracks and my school teams.
Q: Who is somebody in sport you admired growing up and why?
A: Growing up, I didn’t know of many famous runners, and I looked up to mostly local runners and the older athletes in my club. As I began to know more runners, I started to look up to Olympians like Melissa Bishop, Colleen Quigley and Emma Coburn. I admired them because they were hard-working runners and I looked up to their dedication to the sport. They’ve inspired me to keep training hard to accomplish my goals.
Q: Why do you love cross country?
A: I love cross country because it tests your strengths in different ways than track does. Cross country incorporates hills, woods, roots and even mud, putting your limits to the test. Personally, I find it more fun than track because there is a sense of adventure in the race and that makes it fun as well as strategic.
Q: What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?
A: My most memorable moment so far was when I ran a personal best in the 1500 metre at a race at Beazley field. The race was just at a typical meet, and I had no intention of having such a big personal best. My plan going into the race was simple - all I had to do was be consistent. Although the paces were faster than what I would usually do, I executed it perfectly. Going down the home stretch, seeing the time on the clock, I remember being shocked that I was going to get such a good time. I crossed the line, clocking in at 4:37, and I was so happy with my race I couldn’t believe it. Its definitely the best feeling I’ve had about a race.
Q: What made you choose Dalhousie University?
A: I chose Dalhousie for a few reasons. For starters, on my recruiting trip I got to train with the team, and I loved my soon-to-be teammates, as well the training itself. Academically, Dalhousie has a great kinesiology program, which is what I’m in, as well as so many other options! Another reason I chose Dalhousie is because I love Halifax and I’ve always wanted to move there.
Q: What are some differences you’ve noticed being a part of a DAL team compared to previous teams?
A: Some differences I’ve noticed since being on the Dal team is that the team is a lot bigger compared to my previous club team. As well, there is a big sense of camaraderie and welcoming when I first started running with them. Although my previous team was very close-knit, it’s not quite comparable to the Tigers.
Q: How have you enjoyed your time with the team so far?
A: Although I didn’t move to Halifax for the first semester, I’ve been to Halifax a few times to train with the team. Every time I come to train I have so much fun and the team atmosphere is awesome. I look forward to coming to Halifax all the time!
Q: How have you enjoyed classes/the university so far?
A: I’m still adjusting to my classes, as well as being online, but I’m enjoying most of my classes (keyword: most). Some are a bit more challenging to be online, but I’m quite interested in a few of my classes which makes it a lot easier and engaging.
Q: What are some of your interests outside of sports?
A: Outside of running, I like to hang out with my friends and family, travel, and spend time outdoors.
Fast Fact Questions
Favourite food? Pancakes
Favourite movie? Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Must have warm-up song or current favourite song? Uproar by Lil Wayne
Favourite professional athlete or team? Toronto Raptors
What do you want to be when you grow up? Rehabilitation Therapist
Any pre-game/race superstitions/routines?
Not really, just got to make sure my shoes are tied perfectly and usually a piece of gum.