Track & Field | November 11, 2023
In the latest “Getting To Know” we introduce you to Marne Sullivan. By way of Chicago and Boston, the graduate distance runner shares her enthusiasm about life at USC and experiences that have inspired her throughout her journey. The three-time ACC All-Academic team member comes to USC with a personal best of 2:0615 in the 800m.
Q: Coming to the west coast, let alone southern California, is super different from living in Chicago and Boston. How did you like BC?
M.S.: I liked BC a lot. I went to BC from Chicago, so it was definitely different. I have all my cousins, aunts and uncles that live in New Jersey, so I’ve always flown to New Jersey for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve always kind of been on the east coast, but BC was a great experience. I had a very holistic experience there. Great academics, athletics and social life. It was 25 minutes outside of Boston. I gained a lot of lifetime friends from BC. My direct roommate was a javelin thrower and she’s my best friend for life. I’m excited to be here for new opportunities and new experiences.
Q: How has your transition been as a graduate student? Are there any noticeable changes between being an undergraduate student athlete and a graduate student-athlete?
M.S.: I was actually very nervous. Not only was it a huge risk to fly all the way across the country, but I’m a graduate student. I was thinking “Am I going to feel like an outsider? Am I going to feel included?” When I got here, the support and resources were absolutely insane. I’m so grateful. We have a sports psychologist, sports nutritionist and the weight room is huge. Just so many different resources. I’m a very personal person. I want to get to know my professors and classmates, so I was really looking for an in-person program. Luckily, I did. My experience so far has been phenomenal. All the people here are just always willing to help and really want to see you succeed and be your best self.
Q: How’s your overall experience running cross country been from high school to college?
M.S.: Technically, this is my second real season as a cross country runner. My freshman year I raced one race for cross country then I got injured. I suffered from a severe foot injury, which is why I have a fifth year of eligibility. However, I was born deaf…
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