Athlete Profile: Mary Grace Carroll of Assumption Signs with Boston College


What is your favorite track & field event to compete in?
My favorite track event has to be the 200. While I love running the 100, especially in relays, the 200 is the perfect distance for my strength as a sprinter. 

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
My goal this season is to do everything I can to make my last season representing Assumption count. Personally, I didn't have the season I was hoping for last year, a combination of mental blocks and a lack of confidence in myself caused me to not be able to compete at my highest potential. It was an incredibly frustrating and demoralizing point in my running career but it has taught me so many lessons about myself, both as a person and as a runner. My mission this season is to regain confidence in myself and rebuild my mental edge. This year is all about mental toughness, proving myself, and and doing everything I possibly can to set myself apart and become the best runner, leader, and teammate I can be. 

What kind of training will you do over the winter months?
As a team, we try to hit the winter months pretty hard to develop a solid training base that we can build off of during the season. We spend a lot of time in the weight room to help us become explosive and powerful while running and put a huge emphasis on drills that will help us to develop proper form. 

What schools were you considering for your collegiate career? 
The biggest factor in my college search was finding a college that has strong academics as well as a strong track team. I was interested in Johns Hopkins University, The University of St. Thomas, Loras College, and Boston College because they had both of those things. 


How did you end up picking Boston College? 
I took my official visit it Boston College at the end of September, and after the first day there I could tell that BC was exactly was I was looking for. I felt at home there and I connected really well with the coaches and girls on the team and they made me feel like I was one of their own. The combination of amazing academics and a talented track team made for a perfect match for me to spend the next four years. 

How have your teammates, coaches, and family helped you achieve success?
I can't thank my teammates, coaches, and parents enough for the amount of support they have given me throughout high school. My teammates push me every day in practice and I am thankful for the friendly competition we have in practice which helps me to strive to become a better runner. Coach O'Neill, Coach Moylan, and Coach Warren have not only shaped me as an athlete, but also as a person and I firmly believe that I would not be the runner that I am today without their amazing guidance throughout high school. I especially thank Coach O'Neill for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be and caring for me like I'm one of his own. Most importantly, I am so thankful for my parents for giving me the opportunity to follow my heart and allowing me freedom in my college decision. 

What are your hopes for the future of your running career?
Anything could happen when I get to begin my collegiate running career, and I am excited to see where my future takes me because I don't think I've reached my fullest potential as a runner yet. I just want to contribute as much as I can to my team and I will do whatever it takes to reach success at the next level.

What are you most excited for about collegiate competition? 
I am super excited to have the opportunity to travel to parts of the country I have never been to and to be exposed to a new kind of competition.