Woodmont's Emmaleine DeRoberts talks about the season, goals for this weekend and serving as captain.
Name: Emmaleine DeRoberts
Personal bests:
800 - 2:41.30, 1600 - 5:32.65, 1 mile - 5:36.19, 3200 - 11:24.99, 5K (xc) - 18:13.00
Hobbies: Drawing, cooking, traveling, swimming, and biking
Academic interest: Art and English
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
Ever since I was very little my mom and my dad would sign up for a lot of road races in the Upstate, and I would do the races with them. I have always enjoyed running and the competitiveness of it. When it came to the end of sixth grade my dad had asked me if I wanted to do cross country for the high school in the fall, at the time I was doing road races most weekends and doing competitive dance. My parents thought both competitive dance and cross country were too much at one time for me, so they made me choose between the two, and of course without a doubt I chose cross country and track.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Yes, my dad is the head coach. My mom and dad both run.
What's it like to have a family members as a coach?
I really enjoy having my dad as a coach! Through the cross country and track seasons I have 
grown so much closer to my dad. I love how much he pushes me and how much he keeps me on pace and on track. He is at every point of the race making sure I run to my full potential. He is very energetic and helps me to strive to be my best.
Tell us about Saturday's race: Expectations, race strategy.
Every athlete in this Saturday's race should be proud of what they have accomplished this season. I am looking forward to giving it my all and celebrating the success of my fellow athletes and team.
What roles do you have on the team this year?
I am a captain on the Woodmont cross country team. I find joy in serving others to reach for their personal best.
What does it mean to be part of your team?
Being a part of this team is like being a part of a big family. I love each and every person on our team. They are all great athletes and people, without them it wouldn't be the same.
Do you have any post season cross country meets planned?
Yes, I am looking forward to running the Foot Locker South Regional and maybe some AAU meets this winter.
Do you have a specific race strategy that works best for you?
In preparing for a race I eat a nutritious vegetarian diet and get plenty of rest. Before the race I pray and thank God for all that he has given me. During the race I give it my everything. I have a competitive nature and drive to win. After the race, I thank god and review my results to learn how to become better. I am a student of this sport and I love to run.
What plans do you have for the future?
I would like to go to college and then pursue a career in graphic design. I would like to work for Nike designing running shoes.
Are you looking to run at a college? Please explain.
Yes, my goal has always been to run at a Division One school. I am a huge North Carolina Tar Heel fan and would love to run for them in the future, but would be happy to run for any college.
Do you remember your first race? Please explain.
One of the first races I remember is when my mom, my two sisters, and I ran The Greenville News Run 5K. At the time my sister was two and riding in the front of the stroller and my other sister was six and was riding in the back of the stroller where the diaper bag goes, complaining that she was too tired to run. My mom was pushing the heavy stroller. At the time I was nine, every second I would ask my mom if I could just go run by myself, but she wouldn't let me because I was too little. My mom would then point out things that I could run to. She would say "Okay Emma, you can run to that stop sign and then stop, run to the lamp post and stop, etc." After that I started to run with my dad and my mom when she wasn't pushing a stroller, and then when I got a little older I was allowed to run by myself.
How did summer training go?
My summer training program was tough; every day was a new challenge. I pushed myself, I was never satisfied. I loved every minute of it. I ran a lot of hills and miles. I also swam for a neighborhood team.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
The feeling of butterflies in my stomach, adrenaline pumping, breath racing, heart pumping, and the fierce desire to win.
Do you have a specific reason to achieve a goal or goals this season?
Yes, I run so I can use the gift God gave me for his glory.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Woodmont team?
Being a part of the team of Woodmont is like rooting for the underdog. We are the kids that no one expected to come first, but we have the passion, commitment, and courage to chance everything. I love this team like my family.
What do you enjoy about the team and being on the course with them daily?
I love all of the laughter and the jokes we tell as we run. We all bond during the long runs around the course.
What's the one thing you will never forget from being with the team?
I will never forget the amazing people I have grown to know. Also all of the people that have supported me throughout the good races, the bad races, practices, and injuries. A special thanks to my sisters, my mom, and my mawmaw and pawpaw for always being there to support me and cheer me on! Also thanks to my other coaches Bill and Theresa for always yelling out splits and pushing me during races and practices.
What helps you stay focused during practices and races?
I have big goals. Big goals require hard work, dedication, and drive.
What responsibility to you feel you have to your teammates? Please explain.
My responsibility goes beyond just my teammates. There is a sisterhood and brotherhood among the cross country athletes. When someone falls down I will pick them up, I cheer for all of the runners, I salute them at their best, and I am there for them when they have an off day. My team is my family.
Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
I sleep in my uniform, I eat oatmeal the morning of, warm up and stretch, and pray with my team before the gun goes off.
How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
I strive to be a top runner and a top of the class student. I have prioritized my time and say no to the things that won't take me where I want to go. I want to get a college scholarship, go to the Olympics; I want to use all of the gifts God has given me.
What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
I am thankful I have not had an injury, but I have helped my friend through a terrible concussion this season. In addition, Coach Bill's grandson Wyatt is paralyzed from the waist down. I know that running is something that not everyone can do. I am grateful for the ability to run each and every day.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would adopt a little foster girl named Spencer that I watched over the past summer at the YMCA.
Favorite runner(s): Shalane Flanagan, my mom, my dad and Steve Prefontaine
Favorite food: Pickles
Favorite bands: Newsboys, and Casting Crowns
Favorite quote: Psalms 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Training shoe- Nike Pegasus 32, Racing shoe- saucony spikes
Inspirational person in your life: My Mawmaw and Pawpaw
