University of Minnesota Athletics
Summer Spotlight: Cowger Goes the Distance
8/9/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS - In this edition of Summer Spotlight, we catch up with Gophers' outfielder Ellie Cowger. This past month Cowger participated in the BTN Big 10k in Chicago where she interned for Baker Tilly Virchow Krause professional serivce firm. Gopher Sports had the chance to catch up with her to learn about her summer adventure.
Gopher Sports: First off, are you enjoying your summer so far?
Ellie Cowger: My summer has been wonderful. I just came home to Michigan from Chicago where I spent my summer working. I'll spend the remainder of my summer at home before I head back to my last year at school. I'm looking forward to time with my family in my hometown!
GS: You ran cross country in high school, but was this your first-ever 10k?
EC: This was my first-ever 10k race. We ran 5ks in high school so we trained at longer distances for our long runs. I ran a half marathon the summer after my freshmen year with my sisters, but other than that, the 10k was the longest race I've ran.
GS: Can you tell a few things you enjoyed about the BTN Big 10k.
EC: I loved the pride everyone had in their school. Chicago is an amazing city and you really got to see all of it throughout the 10k. I loved running along the lakeshore as well as down Michigan Ave. All in all the views were great. My favorite part though was having my mom there to watch and hang out with after the race! I also ran into a few of the Northwestern Softball coaches!
GS: What was your favorite site to see in Chicago?
EC: Like I mentioned before, I LOVED the lakeshore. The farther you headed north, the quieter it got. I enjoyed running and biking along the Lakeshore Trail all summer. The view from the Lakeshore Trail by Shedd Aquarium is the best in the city, in my opinion! Also, I loved Milton Lee Olive Park. It's a hidden gem in the city great for setting up your hammock with a good book!
GS: Did you get the chance to enjoy any Chicago style deep dish pizza?
EC: I had both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's during my time in the city. Contrary to popular opinion, Girordano's was definitely my favorite! So glad there is one in Minneapolis!
GS: Entering your senior season with the Gophers, what are some expectations for yourself and the team?
EC: For the team, all we can expect from ourselves is to go in with open minds and a strong work ethic this year. We are competitive, gritty and willing to put in the work. Everything else will fall into place if we can be that kind of team. We all hope to win another Big Ten Championship and contend for a national title.
For myself, I just want to love every minute on and off the field with my teammates. Being a collegiate athlete is a rare opportunity and I am so blessed to have experienced it!
