Sept. 30, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama women's cross country team have started a new weekly segment called Seven Questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The fifth edition features freshman Kelsey Johnson.

Rolltide.com: When and why did you start running?

Kelsey Johnson: My inability to play volleyball led me to start running. After I got demoted to the C team in volleyball I decided to give cross country a try.

Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to come to The University of Alabama?

Johnson: I absolutely love everything about this place. Also, I could see that Coach Hasenbank wanted to accomplish big things in the future and I really wanted to be a part of that.

Rolltide.com: What are your personal goals and what are the team goals for this year and career?

Johnson: This year I would really like to place in the top 15 at SEC's and in the future I just want to improve from year to year and make it to nationals. As a team, as long as we can keep working hard and stay healthy it shouldn't be out of the question to place well at the SEC and regional meet and eventually make it to nationals as a team.

Rolltide.com: Do you have a pre-race ritual?

Johnson: In high school I did but that was because I didn't have a team to help me stay focused. This year, however, I really don't because it's much easier to stay focused for a race this year since I am surrounded by amazing teammates.

Rolltide.com: What's your favorite race and why?

Johnson: In high school my favorite race was Foot Locker South because the course was gorgeous and I always did really well there.

Rolltide.com: Other than running, what Olympic sport would you want to compete in and why?

Johnson: I would love to compete in soccer. I played when I was younger but I had to stop because the school I went to didn't have a soccer team.

Rolltide.com: How does it feel to be the second fastest runner for the Tide in your first two collegiate races and then finish third at the home meet?

Johnson: It feels surreal. It was amazing to finish third at our home meet because it was the first time that my parents saw me run in my Alabama uniform and I wanted to do well for them and also for all the fans that came out to support us.