Q&A with Barbara Coward
February 15, 2019 | Women's Indoor Track, Women's Track & Field, Features
UC IrvineΒ women's indoor track and field had a record breaking start to the 2019 campaign thanks to star thrower Barbara Coward. She is already making her last year one to remember, shattering UCI's weight throw record by over a foot with a mark of 57-05.75 at the season-opening Lumberjack Team Challenge on Jan. 18. Coward is no stranger to being at the top of the charts as she also holds the outdoor school record in the discus and hammer throw.
Β
Barbara has definitely made a name for herself, breaking a record every year she has been competing at UC Irvine, but she still plans to do a lot more. We got a chance to catch up with the the highly accomplished senior in the latest edition of our Q&A series.
Β
Q: Since you have been on UC Irvine's track and field team you have had tremendous success as a thrower. What has helped you perform so well at such a high level?
A: What has helped me perform so well at such a high level is the support from my family, my teammates and coach. I strive to be the best athlete in my area and globally, and I keep a strong faith in God.
Β
Q: You hold UC Irvine's outdoor records in the hammer and discus, and broke the indoor weight throw record in your first meet this year. What was your mindset going into the season opener, and how did you feel after this great accomplishment?
A: All I was thinking of the day of my first competition was that I had to break the record. All of my teammates knew that I was capable of breaking the record and I believed that I was strong enough to accomplish that milestone. I am stronger than I have ever been and I knew that if I got enough speed on the weight, the record was in my reach. After realizing I had broken the record I was very happy, but I know that I can always work harder and there is always more room for improvement.
Β
Q: What is your daily routine as you prepare for a meet?
A: I wake up, thank God for allowing me to see another day and for giving me another opportunity to compete. I eat breakfast and start to prepare for my competition mentally. I usually zone in with my headphones listening to music right before my competitions to get hyped! Once I get to the track, I usually stay to myself so that I can focus, unless I'm cheering on my teammates.
Β
Q: With such a great start to the season what do you hope to accomplish as you move forward?
A: I hope to break my record again with an 18+ meter throw (59+ feet). I also hope to encourage my teammates to step up and improve their marks because I know they can throw far too! I like to see us all perform well, and I wouldn't have as much confidence as I do without their support. For outdoor season, I hope to further my personal marks and set new records. Β
Β
Q: When did you start to build a passion for track & field, and when did you realize you had a special talent in the throws?
A: I started throwing discus and shot put in 7th grade and pursued that all four years of high school. I would say I developed a passion for throwing my freshman year of high school. I knew I was talented at throwing when I first picked up an implement and my 7th grade coach said that I was a natural. Ever since then I never looked back. I knew that God had given me this talent for a reason. Throwing has got me to where I am today and I am very blessed. My coach (Katelyn Ciarelli) developed me into the best athlete I have ever been and I am thankful for her.
Β
Q: Aside from track & field, are there any other sports that interest you?
A: Basketball. I was on the varsity basketball team all four years of high school.
Β
Q: Is there a professional athlete that you look up to?
A: Serena Williams. Even though she is not a thrower, she is the epitome of black girl magic. She faces adversity and still finds a way to shine at the end of the day. She's bold, humble, strong, fierce, and I aspire to have her mindset as I continue my athletic career.
Β
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I love doing makeup. I also like to eat, watch The Bachelor, and sleep.
Β
Q: How have you been able to balance school and sports since you have been at UC Irvine?
A: I utilize the academic resources that are available to me. While I am at school, I like to study in the Al Irwin Academic Center when I have down time and also meet with my professors. I make sure to put school first so that I am eligible to compete. But, once I step on that track, my priority is to focus on throwing and bettering myself as an athlete. I think what works the most for me is to separate the two, school work and sports, so that I am not overwhelmed with everything at once. Β
Β
Q: What are your future career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?
A: I plan to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship and become a makeup artist.
Β
Β
Β
Barbara has definitely made a name for herself, breaking a record every year she has been competing at UC Irvine, but she still plans to do a lot more. We got a chance to catch up with the the highly accomplished senior in the latest edition of our Q&A series.
Β
Q: Since you have been on UC Irvine's track and field team you have had tremendous success as a thrower. What has helped you perform so well at such a high level?
A: What has helped me perform so well at such a high level is the support from my family, my teammates and coach. I strive to be the best athlete in my area and globally, and I keep a strong faith in God.
Β
Q: You hold UC Irvine's outdoor records in the hammer and discus, and broke the indoor weight throw record in your first meet this year. What was your mindset going into the season opener, and how did you feel after this great accomplishment?
A: All I was thinking of the day of my first competition was that I had to break the record. All of my teammates knew that I was capable of breaking the record and I believed that I was strong enough to accomplish that milestone. I am stronger than I have ever been and I knew that if I got enough speed on the weight, the record was in my reach. After realizing I had broken the record I was very happy, but I know that I can always work harder and there is always more room for improvement.
Β
Q: What is your daily routine as you prepare for a meet?
A: I wake up, thank God for allowing me to see another day and for giving me another opportunity to compete. I eat breakfast and start to prepare for my competition mentally. I usually zone in with my headphones listening to music right before my competitions to get hyped! Once I get to the track, I usually stay to myself so that I can focus, unless I'm cheering on my teammates.
Β
Q: With such a great start to the season what do you hope to accomplish as you move forward?
A: I hope to break my record again with an 18+ meter throw (59+ feet). I also hope to encourage my teammates to step up and improve their marks because I know they can throw far too! I like to see us all perform well, and I wouldn't have as much confidence as I do without their support. For outdoor season, I hope to further my personal marks and set new records. Β
Β
Q: When did you start to build a passion for track & field, and when did you realize you had a special talent in the throws?
A: I started throwing discus and shot put in 7th grade and pursued that all four years of high school. I would say I developed a passion for throwing my freshman year of high school. I knew I was talented at throwing when I first picked up an implement and my 7th grade coach said that I was a natural. Ever since then I never looked back. I knew that God had given me this talent for a reason. Throwing has got me to where I am today and I am very blessed. My coach (Katelyn Ciarelli) developed me into the best athlete I have ever been and I am thankful for her.
Β
Q: Aside from track & field, are there any other sports that interest you?
A: Basketball. I was on the varsity basketball team all four years of high school.
Β
Q: Is there a professional athlete that you look up to?
A: Serena Williams. Even though she is not a thrower, she is the epitome of black girl magic. She faces adversity and still finds a way to shine at the end of the day. She's bold, humble, strong, fierce, and I aspire to have her mindset as I continue my athletic career.
Β
Q: What do you like to do during your free time?
A: I love doing makeup. I also like to eat, watch The Bachelor, and sleep.
Β
Q: How have you been able to balance school and sports since you have been at UC Irvine?
A: I utilize the academic resources that are available to me. While I am at school, I like to study in the Al Irwin Academic Center when I have down time and also meet with my professors. I make sure to put school first so that I am eligible to compete. But, once I step on that track, my priority is to focus on throwing and bettering myself as an athlete. I think what works the most for me is to separate the two, school work and sports, so that I am not overwhelmed with everything at once. Β
Β
Q: What are your future career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?
A: I plan to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship and become a makeup artist.
Β
Β
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Women's Track & FieldAnteater Spotlights | Ep. 6 | Zharia Taylor
Wednesday, January 21
π π¦π¨π¦ππ§π π°π'π₯π₯ π§ππ―ππ« ππ¨π«π ππ π₯Ή #TogetherWeZot | #Shorts
Tuesday, October 28
Before Vs. After the 1500 π
#TogetherWeZot | #RipEm
Tuesday, March 18
An average day at the track βοΈ #TogetherWeZot | #Shorts
Wednesday, March 05
