PHOTO COURTESY UTRGV ATHLETICS
Kailey Salazar, an exercise science sophomore from Laredo, is the captain of the UTRGV Women’s Cross Country Team. She recently placed eighth overall at the 5K race in the University of the Incarnate Word Invitational Sept. 13 in San Antonio, leading the Vaqueros to a fourth-place overall finish in the tournament.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “I actually didn’t like running when I first started.”
Q: Who or what got you started in cross-country?
A: “It was actually my family and my coaches. They kind of, like, forced me into running, sort of, because I guess they saw something that I didn’t. So, I’m happy they did it.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model?
A: “Honestly, my biggest inspiration has been my grandpa. He’s never been a sports person, but he’s kept me going, to be honest. He always prays for me before a race, so that’s very nice. And I think about him during my runs, and I’m like, ‘My grandpa prayed for me. I’m set.’”
Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
A: “I love R&B and hip-hop. I can’t get away from it.”
Q: Which shows or movies do you like to watch?
A: “My favorite movie is ‘Just Go With It’ by Adam Sandler. I just think it’s so funny and it’s so cute. And then, TV shows, right now I’ve been watching just ‘My Wife and Kids.’”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I actually just got into reading. But, other than that, I like to do arts and crafts, make some bracelets and draw sometimes.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “Honestly, what motivates me the most is the vision I have for myself, which is to end up in the Olympics. I know it’s, like, a far-fetched dream, but hey, I only have one life, and I’m gonna give myself the biggest dream that I could possible.”
Q: What do you like the most about UTRGV?
A: “I like the sense of community. I love how all the sports are involved with each other. We all go to each other’s games, each other’s meets, and that’s an instant motivator as well.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “My biggest goal, athletically speaking, this year, is to win championships.”
–Compiled by Ali Halloum
