Landmark Conference Friday Focus: Zoe Malkin

Note: This story was originally featured on the Landmark Conference's official website on October 10.

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 Zoe Malkin (Watchung, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional), Goucher cross country runner.

Malkin is a senior and four-year runner for the Gophers. She has improved her Landmark Championship time each season including shaving nearly 35 seconds off her performance during her first three seasons. Malkin posted a personal best in the 6,000 meter race during last year's NCAA Regional Championships with a time of 25:47.

Zoe Malkin
Senior, Women's Cross Country
Watchung, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional
Major: Peace Studies

Why did you choose to attend Goucher?
I chose to attend Goucher for my ability to make connections with my peers, faculty and staff. I was attracted to the intimate campus, small classes and the passions that Goucher could foster.

What does it mean to you to be a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
To me, being a student athlete instills a sense of deep personal commitment to something bigger than myself. And it means being a part of a community of runners who are dedicated and driven.

Who has been the most influential person during your athletic career? Why?
During my athletic career, a former teammate of mine was my biggest influence. She was so focussed, so confident in her ability to perform, qualities I try to embody and instill in others.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself working for an anti-trafficking organization and training for half a marathon.

What do you like most about competing in the Landmark?
I enjoy being around a community of runners who are driven and who are passionate about what they do. The camaraderie among all of us even when we are competing is very special to me and something I will cherish. We have tremendous sportsmanship in the Conference which makes the environment comfortable and instills a sense of true and honest competition.

Do you have any pregame/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Yes. I eat oatmeal for breakfast without fail, and roll out my muscles with a foam roller, do leg swings, and jump around several times at the starting line (in that order, every time).

How did you first get involved in cross country?
When I was in 7th grade, I did Girls on Track, a program that helps to build confidence and self-respect in young women through running. And upon completion of the program, we all ran a 5K together, something we could all be proud of.

Rapid Fire

Favorite food: Mom's chicken soup
Favorite band/artist: Mumford and Sons
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite book: Cider House Rules
Favorite movie: Secondhand Lions
Favorite class you've taken: "Human Trafficking in a Global Context"
Favorite place to visit: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
Can't live without: Tea