First Year Feature - Women's Track & Field
Meet Cara, a first-year athlete on the track & field team!
The transition from high school to college athletics is significant. We’re highlighting athletes from all varsity teams this season who are on the path to becoming great athletes at Dalhousie University.
This week we would like to introduce Cara MacDonald, an athlete on the track & field team! Hailing from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Cara is at Dal studying sciences!
How long have you been competing in track & field? I’ve been competing in track and field since I was 10 years old, so about 8 years.
Did you play any other sports growing up? I played a lot of soccer growing up and some volleyball with my school team.
Who is somebody in sport you admired growing up and why? My older brother was in just about every sport growing up. I admired how competitive and driven he was. He became heavily involved in track and field and his love for running inspired me to follow him into the sport.
What is the most memorable moment in your career so far? The most memorable moment in my running career was probably my first-time making Team Nova Scotia in 2018 for the U16/U18 Legion Track and Field National Championships in Brandon, Manitoba. Experiencing the atmosphere of a national track meet at such a young age while representing my province was an incredible experience. My last year of eligibility at the Legion Nationals was also a very memorable one as I took home a bronze medal in the 400m!
What made you choose Dalhousie University? I chose Dalhousie University for many reasons. Their academic reputation was definitely a big factor. On the athletic side, the women’s track and field team has had tremendous success over the last number of years and the middle-distance women in particular have been a strong group that I wanted to be a part of.
Did any of your family members attend Dalhousie University? My mom!
What are some differences you’ve noticed being a part of a DAL team compared to your previous teams? The biggest difference I’ve noticed being a part of the Dal team is the team aspect itself. Track is often thought of as a very individual sport, but training together and encouraging each other every day, as opposed to meeting just a few times a week, it definitely feels more like we are a team.
How would you describe your time with the team so far? My time with the team has been great so far. Working towards my own goals as well as our team goals alongside such a positive and motivated group has been awesome.
What are some of your interests outside of sports? I like hiking/being outdoors and being around my friends and family.
Any pre-event superstitions/routines? I wouldn’t say I’m superstitious before a race. I keep the same warm up routine every time, but I think that’s pretty standard.
What was the coolest experience you’ve had so far this year? It’s early in the season so we haven’t had many racing opportunities yet, but just getting here and meeting everyone was a highlight for sure. Also getting to train on and indoor track - something I never had access to before - has been really cool!
Any hidden talents? No, they're still hiding!
Fast Fact Questions (rapid fire, 1-word answers)
Favourite food? Chicken stir-fry
Favourite movie? Soul Surfer
Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song? God’s Country by Blake Shelton is a pre-race classic.
Favourite professional athlete or team? Sydney MacLaughlin
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? Anywhere by an ocean
Who is an athlete that you would compare yourself to? Melissa Bishop-Nriagu