RADFORD, Va. – The “Track Spotlight” series is a weekly interview with one men's and women's track and field student-athlete.  This week features junior Alyssa Barrow.

Barrow, a transfer from Seton Hall, competes in the 200m, 400m, 400-meter hurdles and the relays.  During indoor, she was a member of the 4x400m team that was just .09 seconds off the school record pace.  Barrow feels confident that the outdoor season will have much of the same success and is confident in her attempt to place at conference in the 400-meter hurdles and 4x400m.

Q: What was your reaction to being named to the Big South Conference All-Academic Team for your accomplishments on the track and more importantly in the classroom?
A: I was honestly kind of surprised. I worked really hard last semester and had some pretty tough courses but it was a nice surprise and it was nice to see that my work paid off.
 
Q:  Being a transfer from Seton Hall, what made you come to Radford University to compete for Coach Chumbley?
A: I always liked Radford, but in high school I was nervous about being eight hours from home.  After I left Seton Hall, I realized that I really wanted to go to Radford because it had that “homey” feeling and I really liked the coaches and the team.
 
Q: When you were a leg in the 4x400m relay at the VT Challenge, your team was just .09 seconds off the school record pace.  Were you aware of just how close you were to holding a school record and what is your reaction looking back?
A: As a team, we were just hoping to break four minutes, but to break it by seven seconds was crazy. I had no idea we could go that fast or were even in the running to break the school record. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing because I know we all gave it 100 percent and that's all you can ask for.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about being a Radford student-athlete?
A: My favorite part would have to be having such a close team. It makes me feel part of a family, which is nice since I'm so far away from mine.
 
Q: If you could master any event, what would it be and why?
A: I would really like to master the 400 hurdles. It's my favorite event and it's always a challenge. I have trouble using my opposite leg so getting that down would be a great advantage to perfecting that race.
 
Q: What are some of your goals for outdoor?
A: My goals for outdoor would be to break the outdoor 4x400 record and to place at conference in the 400 hurdles.