November 10, 2011

UNCPBraves.com sat down with senior runner Livia Mahaffie to learn of her opinion on a variety of topics ranging from the best place to study to how she wants to be remembered when she leaves Pembroke. The following 20 questions are a part of a continuing feature at your official Internet home for UNCP athletics.

Mahaffie, a native of Puyallup, Washington, has six top-20 finishes in the 5K including the school record she shattered in 2010 at the Augusta State Tri-Meet with a time of 18:59.4 which helped the team grab second-place honors. Over her career, she has finished as the top runner for UNCP eight times, including garnering USTFCCCA All-Academic and PBC All-Conference honors as well as earning a spot on the PBC Presidential Honor Roll. 

This season, she registered a third-place finish with a time of 23:49.85 and was named PBC Runner of the Year and First Team All-PBC at the conference championships. At the regional championships, she led the Lady Braves to an overall eighth place finish, was the top runner and set a new personal-best in the 6K by dropping more than 25 seconds off her time from the PBC championships. She crossed the finish line with a time of 23:24.4 and thus far this year has been a three-time PBC Runner of the Week and a member of the PBC All-Academic Team.


20 Questions With UNCP Senior Runner Livia Mahaffie

I Am Most Proud Of: My boyfriend Kevin, because he is graduating this semester with his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sport Science. He has a passion for running and coaching like no one I know, and I am proud of everything he does in order to be successful as a future coach. I look up to him. 

Living Person You Admire Most: I admire all athletes who put 100 percent into everything they do – who keep trying and never give up, even after they fail or the going gets tough.

Player/Athlete I Idolized Growing Up: Megan Quann, because she is an Olympic gold medalist in the 100 meter breaststroke and 400 medley relay. We both swam on the same club team at Puyallup Aquatic Club, and she didn't know me but I definitely knew her. She motivated me to be the best athlete I can be and inspired me to dream big.

Who Has Had The Greatest Impact On Your Athletics Career?: Chris Susee, my high school track coach. 

Best Place To Study: I like to study in my dorm room or in the library. I have to study somewhere quiet, and I like to be alone because I get distracted very easily, so I usually don't do homework with my friends. 

Words Or Phrases You Overuse The Most: I overuse the saying, "wait, what?" I need to work on it, because I almost always know what people have said, but I just like to reassure myself. 

Favorite Fast Food Joint: I've been trying to stay away from fast food because it's unhealthy and I want to improve my diet, however I really like Cookout! I had it for the first time two years ago, and I fell in love with its milkshakes! 

Nickname: Most of my friends call me Liv. It's a lot easier to say than Livia, and I like it. When I was younger my grandma Jo called me Livers. 

Dream Job: I hope to become an elementary teacher somewhere on the west coast, wherever I end up. I would also like to coach cross country and track in some capacity, whether it be a part time assistant at a university or a full time high school coach. 

Concert I'd Like To Attend: A Kings of Leon concert. My roommate Ashlee Doughty got me into them, and I've been a fan ever since. Their album Come Before Sundown is amazing! 

In 10 Years, I Will Be: I see myself as an elementary teacher in a suburban town, happily married with kids. I also plan on staying active by competing in various 5k races and sprint triathlons.

Best Thing About Your Coach: Coach Gary Aycock is very knowledgeable about training and passionate towards his profession. I'm glad I have a coach like him because I feel he has definitely helped me reach closer to my potential than ever before. 

Favorite Vacation Destination You've Been To: California. I have family near Los Angeles and Sacramento, so I usually make a trip every year. I love the weather and the fast paced atmosphere of California. Yosemite National Park is beautiful, and there is nothing like that here in North Carolina. 

What Song On Your Ipod Would Surprise People?: Honestly, people that know me know I love all kinds of music, so nothing would be a surprise. People who don't know me however, may be shocked I have almost every song by Lil Wayne on my Ipod! 

When You Were Younger, What Were You Always Getting In Trouble For?: Talking in class. I was the social butterfly, and got along with everyone. I wasn't a trouble maker by any means, but I just couldn't keep my mouth shut during class. 

What I Love Most About UNCP?: Honestly, I love the campus and how nicely it is kept. The campus is the perfect size to where I can walk from my dorm to all my classes in less than seven minutes. The sidewalks are always clean, the grass is always green, the shrubs are always nicely cut and the water feature is beautiful. I feel proud of the campus, and loved showing it off to my Dad when he visited!

I Came To UNCP Because: I came to UNCP to experience a different part of the country, while getting an education and having the opportunity to run collegiately. When I visited for the first time, I fell in love with the campus and the athletic facilities. After hearing praise about the School of Education, I decided UNCP was the school for me!

My Advice To Youngsters Would Be: Two things: Take your studies and extracurricular activities in high school seriously. Do not be lazy! If you are successful in high school, it will more likely pay off when you are applying for different colleges and scholarships. Also, have fun! A large part of the college experience is the social aspect, so make sure to attend events, meet new people and set time aside for yourself. 

What Is One Thing You Want To Happen Before You Leave UNCP?: I would love to qualify for Nationals in either track or cross country. That has been my goal since I was a freshman. I love running and qualifying for a national meet would be the ultimate achievement!

How Do You Want People At UNCP To Remember You?: I want people at UNCP to remember me as a kind and friendly individual who was a very dedicated student-athlete that motivated her peers to achieve their goals!