UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Freshman track & field student-athlete Victoria Mathiew spoke about her first few weeks in Happy Valley as a part of our Freshman Focus series. Victoria comes to Penn State from Houston, Texas where she attended Travis High School.
Prior to Penn State, Victoria was a state medalist in both 2018 and 2019 and was twice named Travis High School Team MVP.
Read below for Victoria's Q&A.
Q: What were the main reasons you chose Penn State and this program?
A: I chose Penn state because, everyone here is like family, no matter where your from you'll have a place at Penn State. On my visit I felt the energy and I knew I found my home away from home.
Q: What has been something you've most enjoyed about your first few weeks in Happy Valley?
A: Meeting the team was the most enjoyable experience my first few weeks. Everyone is so friendly and, I knew I'd made forever friends in my new team.
Q: What do you plan on majoring in and why?
A: I am still undecided on my major however I'm leaning towards psych. Psychology has always been an interest of mine in all aspects.
Q: How have the first few weeks of classes and training been going?
A: The first few weeks have been quite an adjustment, even more so with the current pandemic. However with everything, I adjust and conquered any issues that come with moving so far away from family.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies outside of track?
A: Although I'm not artistic, art is a favorite hobby of mine. Art is a stress reliever of mine, I enjoy painting and drawing. Naps are a close second on my list of hobbies.
Q: Who inspired you most as an athlete and why?
A: My inspiration is my mom, Michelle, she had a much harder childhood than I did, moving from Jamaica as a teen and having to integrate into American culture. My mom used track as an outlet and a way out, so I think of her whenever I need motivation.
Q: When did you know you wanted to run in college?
I knew track was my way out sophomore year in high school, I was progressing in hurdles at such a fast rate that I couldn't see myself doing anything else for a scholarship.
Q: What has been your favorite workout?
A: Some may call me crazy but, my favorite workout is 200m repeats. Of course it's hard, but every workout has its struggles. I enjoy it so much because the 200m is one of my favorite races as well as conditioning me perfectly for the 100m hurdles.
Q: What is something you brought with you to State College to remind you of home?
A: I brought a teddy bear my family bought for me, it's just a small reminder that my family is proud of me and loves me.