Graduate transfer student Marlene Gutierrez is a thrower for the UTRGV Womenโs Track & Field Team. Gutierrez graduated from the University of California, Davis, where she claimed gold medals in both the hammer and shot put at the Big West Outdoor Championships. At UTRGV, she is a program-record holder in Womenโs Hammer Throw, where her 61.8-meter throw secured her spot in university history.ย
Q: How was the transition from California to Texas?
A: โItโs [kind of] funny. I went from one valley in California to the Valley here in Texas, which is fun. I would say that the weather has gotten me by surprise because of the humidity. But, overall, I like the overall feel of family. I [kind of] got that in California, and I get that here, which is awesome.โ
Q: How do you like to spend most of your free time?
A: โWell, I feel like a lot of it goes towards sports, so the most free time I have, I have to stick to, like, the books, and doing all my other stuff for my masterโs program. But other than that, when we do get the chance, the team and I have gone to the beach to go hang out. Just, [you know], having a good time out there and thatโs that.โ
Q: Would you say you have a sense of community with your team?
A: โYes, definitely. I think thatโs whatโs helped with the transition, because everyoneโs so nice, and motivating each other. And because of the family feel, itโs really cool to have friends like them.โ
Q: What is your favorite animal and why?
A: โOK, Iโm gonna say a turtle, because they live really long and they are super calm, live a cool life, and I donโt know, I feel like they represent a lot of wisdom. So, super cool. I love turtles!โ
Q: What are some of your favorite shows or movies?
A: โWell, I just finished watching โGreyโs Anatomy.โ Thatโs just the most recent one that I have. Movies, โShrek.โ โShrekโ has gotta be it, all the way, all the โShrekโ movies. I like [โShrek Forever After.โ] Itโs kinda funny. I mean, I feel like all the movies have not disappointed me. I loved it.โ
Q: Do you like listening to music while training?
A: โYes, always. I always bring my phone out and I always have it on because it [kind of] helps me not think about throwing too much, so itโs, like, a more chill day. It just depends on the day and the vibe. โ
Q: Are you looking to go pro or do you want to have a career in your major?
A: โI have been thinking about that a lot lately. Iโm definitely growing where I wanna grow at, so I do wanna go pro eventually if I had the opportunity. I do have my career as โฆ a priority as well so itโs [kind of] hard to put one over the other, but right now, all I can do is give my all in both while I can. And eventually, whoโs to say I canโt be in my career, and also throw on the side? So, weโll see.โ
–Compiled by Julien Juarez
