Academy of Notre Dame runner Jessica Schneider is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
In her first-ever indoor mile race, the sophomore clocked 5:20.04 at the Hill School Invitational, which is an indoor state championships qualifying time by more than three seconds. Last winter, she was part of the Irish’s 4×400 relay team that earned a medal at the state championships, and she said, “My favorite part of the relay was getting to hand off to my older sister Mikayla (a former Main Line Athlete of the Week).” Last spring, she helped the Irish win the Inter-Ac Championships, and competed in several relays as a freshman at the Penn Relays.
Q: What do you think was the key to your performance at the Hill School Invitational?
A: I love to chase people and that is a strength of mine. For the majority of the race, I was in second place, and chasing the leader pushed me throughout the race. Also, toward the end of the race, I remember giving an extra kick and speeding up striving to catch the girl.
Q: Does your running strategy change at all, running indoors versus running outdoors?
A: Slightly, because it is harder running in large packs in indoor because of the tighter turns.
Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-race preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a race.
A: I have a pump-up playlist that I listen to.
Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.
A: I have new balance running shoes. My older sister, Katie, wore these shoes in high school and I like the idea of running in her same exact shoes, because it reminds me of her.
Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned on the track this year?
A: One of my favorite parts about track is participating in relays, so I have learned to always believe in my teammates and myself, and to never give up. I love the teamwork aspect of it.
Q: What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?
A: I am working on running more consistent laps throughout the race. Also, I am working on positioning because I am still new to indoor distance racing.
Q: Can you share with us your most vivid memory at the Penn Relays, where you ran in the 4×800 and 4×400 last spring?
A: The Penn Relays were a lot of fun! I remember chasing a really good sprinter from one of our rival schools, and trying to catch up to her throughout the race.
Q: Do you participate in any other sports or extracurricular activities at Academy of Notre Dame? What sparked your interest in these activities?
A: Yes, I have always loved playing field hockey since I was a little kid. Also, I like getting involved in many other activities at school. So, I am currently a Student Council representative, a member of the Mathletes team, and I frequently participate in a service activity called Women of Hope, among other activities.
Fun facts – Jessica Schneider
Favorite book: Harry Potter Series.
Favorite TV show: Friends.
Favorite pre-race pump-up song: Shots (Broiler Remix) by Imagine Dragons.
Favorite team: Villanova basketball.
Favorite color: Purple.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
