University of Minnesota Athletics
Warm-Up Lap: Q&A with Lindsey Smits
6/27/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
By Jordyn Anderson, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS -- Lindsey Smits capped off her redshirt sophomore year with a breakthrough outdoor track & field season. The Lakeville, Minn., native made her Big Ten Conference Championship debut in both the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay, and she also qualified for the NCAA West Prelim in the 400m hurdles.
Smits clocked a career-best time of 1:00.17 in the 400m hurdles at Big Tens where she earned herself a 10th-place finish; at the NCAA West Prelims, she finished 30th with a time of 1:00.99.
She has show success on the track and in the classroom. Along with her continual PRs this season and her ability to shave three seconds off her 400m hurdles time, Smits was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.
Gopher Sports: What was it like competing at Big Tens for the first time? Did you have any nerves going into it?
Lindsey Smits: Walking in and seeing all of the team camps of the schools was a little intimidating at first. I had to think about all of the other meets we have competed at and how there have been big schools there, too. I was definitely nervous going into it because it felt like there was more at stake, but I eventually relaxed and knew I was going to have to trust my training.
GS: How did it feel to be part of the 4x400m relay team that placed fourth and contributed points to help Minnesota to a runner-up finish at the B1G meet?
LS: At first I was a little nervous because it wasn't a position I expected to be put in. Coach Bingle said that he trusted me, and I just had to compete well and fight hard. It was super fun because it was the last event and everyone was excited and watching on the sidelines. I was really glad that I got to be a part of it.
GS: You have continued to improve your 400m hurdles time throughout the outdoor season, what have you done on and off the track to contribute to that?
LS: I think a big thing was just making sure that I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing at every workout and really working on my speed. I saw that come during every race and I saw more confidence in myself that I can run faster. Having more trust and confidence in myself that I can run faster has helped.
GS: Coach Bingle said, "She earned her letter jacket," and talked about how you ran your fastest yet at Big Tens. What does it mean to you to hear your head coach say that?
LS: I was really proud of myself. I felt that all the hard work I had put in the last three years was really paying off. Earning that letter jacket and scoring at Big Tens was the ultimate reward for all of the work I have put in.
GS: Are you still pursuing your major in neuroscience? How have your classes been going?
LS: Yes. It has been getting tougher. This last semester was probably my hardest semester yet, but I have also been enjoying it more and more. I just decided I want to go to occupational therapy school after I graduate. I have been learning more about it and have started getting some pre-requisites in line so I can apply during this next school year. I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but then I realized I want to be on the recovery side of things. It allows for a more personal relationship with your patients. My mom is a para in a special education classroom and they have occupational therapists in there that work with the kids and it looks like a lot of fun.
GS: What are you looking forward to in your next few seasons in the Maroon & Gold?
LS: I am looking forward to seeing how much our team can accomplish.
GS: Do you have any personal goals you have set for yourself?
LS: I really want to break 60 seconds in the 400m hurdles. My ultimate goal is to keep improving and reaching my full potential.
GS: What is your favorite event?
LS: The 400m hurdles.
GS: What kind of advice or support did your teammates offer you as you headed into your Big Ten Championship debut?
LS: The night before at the team dinner everyone was pumped and giving encouragement all around.
GS: What is your favorite part about competing for the University of Minnesota?
LS: Being a part of a big community of all the student-athletes. It is really cool how we can have an impact on others, especially with all of the M.A.G.I.C. and volunteering events. Being an inspiration or a role model for others is pretty cool.
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Players Mentioned
