University of Minnesota Athletics
Warm-Up Lap: Q&A with Cami Gilson
12/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
By Ellen Larson, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Golden Gopher women's track & field team recently named its 2017 captains. Cami Gilson, Kimberly Golding, Angie Guenther, Erin Hawkins, Titania Markland, Nicolle Murphy, and Madeline Strandemo will lead the defending Big Ten champions this season.
Cami Gilson is a pole vaulter who will be competing in her fifth season as a redshirt senior. The Oconomowoc, Wis., native checked in with Gopher Sports to discuss her career, her captaincy, and her goals for her senior season.
Gopher Sports: How did it feel to be named a captain this year?
Cami Gilson: It was really exciting. I felt so honored because I didn't think that Coach Bingle would really want me to be in that place at that time, but I was really honored when he told me that he wanted me to be a captain and thought of me as a really good leader. It gave me a little bit of a confidence boost.
GS: How has your career as a Gopher been so far?
CG: So far, it's been a crazy ride since I've been injured several times. My career has been fighting through that and persevering. I feel like I've done a pretty good job. I think I still have a lot more to come this year, but I'm just glad that I've experienced those injuries because it's made me a stronger person and a stronger athlete.
GS: How does it feel to be starting your senior season?
CG: It's kind of crazy. The five years flew by, and some people only do four. It's very surreal. I keep thinking about how I'm going to be done because it's my last year. I'm trying to make the most of this year and just have fun and smile a lot because it's going to end soon. I feel like it's become real now. The real world starts next year, and that's going to be really hard. I'm just glad I've been able to experience this and do a fifth year.
GS: Do you have any personal goals for this season?
CG: Just to stay healthy. I'm crossing my fingers. But really, I want to enjoy it and enjoy being on a track team for the last time. I just really want to enjoy my last year and stay healthy. I think I'll be successful that way.
GS: Do you have any team goals for this season?
CG: We have a really young team, so I'd say experience is most important for us. Our younger team is really good, so I don't know if we're headed for that top spot this year, but it's going to be a building year. Next year is going to be a good year. Our goal is just to have the younger girls get the experience of traveling and maturing, and I think that'll put us in a really good spot for next year.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this year?
CG: I'm just looking forward to spending time with my friends on the team and traveling with them. I feel like the first few years as a Gopher, I took it too seriously. I need to enjoy the ride, and that's what I'm trying to do this year. I've become closer with some of the girls, and I've been having a really good time hanging out with them outside the track.
GS: As a senior, what is one piece of advice you have for the freshmen on the team?
CG: Don't take it for granted. Don't put too much pressure on yourself because it's going to end. It's sad, but I wish I would have realized it earlier. I would have just enjoyed the ride because it's so much fun. I've really enjoyed spending time with a team that's like family to me. Just enjoy the time that you have in college, not having to work 40 hours a week. Don't take it for granted.
GS: Do you have any pre-meet superstitions?
CG: I don't really. Some people have really weird things they do, but I'm pretty chill.
GS: What are you plans post-graduation?
CG: I'm an accounting and finance double major, and I already have a full-time job lined up. I'm going to be working for KPMG as a tax accountant. But, that's not until October, so right after graduation, I'll be studying for the CPA exam. That's the certification to become an accountant, and it's really tough, so they give you the whole summer to study for it. I've had it lined up since August, so it's been really nice to know that I have that. I'm trying to enjoy this year since we don't get breaks like this in the real world.
Gilson and the Gophers kick off the 2017 indoor track & field season by hosting the Minnesota Open at the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 14.
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Players Mentioned
