Landmark Conference Friday Focus: Danielle Granger

The Landmark Conference is full of talented student-athletes and the "Friday Focus" is just one way fans can get to know them. This week the conference introduces Goucher runner Danielle Granger (Amherst, Va./Amherst County).

Granger has served as a track & field team captain for each of the past two seasons. Primarily a hurdler for the Gophers, she ranks in the top 10 in program history in the 60 meter hurdles event for indoor competition. Granger placed third in the 400 meter hurdles at the Landmark Outdoor Championships last spring, and she was part of Goucher's Landmark winning distance medley relay squad at last winter's indoor championships.

Danielle Granger
Junior, Women's Track & Field
Amherst, Va./Amherst County
Major: Environmental Studies

Why did you choose to attend Goucher?
I wanted to do everything. I wanted to belong in a close-knit community and explore the world. I wanted an academic adventure as well as a strong curriculum. I wanted to continue competitive running as well as be involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. Not only does Goucher allow me to do more, but it encourages me to do so.

What does it mean to you to be a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Being a student athlete means setting high standards. It means you represent not only yourself, but your school as well. It is about knowing where each of your hurdles are- academically, athletically, and socially, acknowledging the challenging moments, and training to overcome them.

Who has been the most influential person during your athletic career? Why?
Coach Eric McCray has personalized every single one of my workouts to help me achieve my personal goals. He watches, times, and even video records my reps during every practice. He texts me over break to ask how how my training is going. Has the team over for family dinners. And even comments on my homework that I try to cram in during meets. He prioritizes my well being and has greatly impacted my development and ability to lead a healthy life.

What was your most embarrassing sports moment?
I false started in the 100 meter hurdle final at last season's conference championship. Training everyday for a nine second race, only to false start is worse that falling on your face.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be finishing a Masters in Green Architecture and making plans to open my own firm.

Do you have any pregame/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I believe that I have complete control over my races, so I stay away from all superstitions and habitual rituals.

What is something most people do not know about you?
I can sail.

Who was your favorite athlete as a child and why?
Shannon Miller - US Olympic Gymnast. When I was a competitive gymnast, Shannon Miller came to a conference at one of my competitions and I got to talk to her about her love for the sport. All of my beam routines were modeled off of hers. I think she is absolutely a stud.

How did you first get involved in your sport?
I use to be a competitive gymnast and one day during PE I did a leap over a hurdle that was sitting on the track and the track coach walked over and told me that I was on his team and didn't have any other say in the matter. I pole vaulted, high jumped, hurdled, and ran the mile throughout high school.

What do you want to accomplish this season?
I am shooting to break the school's 400m hurdle record held by Jocyln Kellon and set a new PR in the 100m hurdles.

Rapid Fire

Favorite food: Pineapple
Favorite band/artist: Milky Chance
Favorite TV show: New Girl
Favorite book: Jack Turner's The Abstract Wild
Favorite movie: Pirates of the Carribbean
Favorite class you've taken: Philosophy and Literature
Favorite place to visit: The Mountains
Favorite sport (besides track): Gymnastics
Favorite holiday: New Years
Can't live without: Coffee

Note: This story was originally featured on the Landmark Conference's official website on April 24.