Q&A With Joanna Atkins - AuburnTigers.com - Auburn University Official Athletic Site

Q&A With Joanna Atkins 2009 NCAA 400-meter champion ready for outdoor season.

Joanna Atkins

March 24, 2010

Q&A with junior Joanna Atkins - the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Champion in the 400 meters and a three-time All-American in that event - as she prepares to begin the 2010 Outdoor season.

Q: How did you first get into track?
A: When I was in the 10th grade, my bus driver was passing flyers and I decided I wanted to run, so I showed my mom and we registered and everything and I started running ever since.

Q: Did you play any other sports besides track as a kid and if so, what was your favorite?
A: I played basketball for about three years, but I think track was my favorite.

Q: What are your future plans after graduating from Auburn?
A: I want to go pro, and I want to own a daycare.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of track?
A: Sleep. I don't enough get enough sleep during the season. I also write poetry.

Q: What is your favorite movie/TV show?
A: My favorite movie is Love and Basketball. My favorite TV show is The Game.

Q: What made you want to come to Auburn?
A: My mind was set on going to Texas and then Coach (Henry) Rolle came for an in-home visit, and I really liked his personality. I also liked the school spirit and the diversity and then I took an unofficial visit and that's when I decided I wanted to go to Auburn.

Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals?
A: I pray and listen to gospels and read scriptures.

Q: What is the biggest difference between running indoors and outdoors?
A: It's a whole different mentality. In indoors, you have to be aggressive. In outdoors, you have your own lane. It is more relaxed, but you still have to be aggressive.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience at Auburn?
A: My most memorable experience was last year when I won indoors (in the 400 meters) at the SECs and outdoors when I won Nationals.