With both the season and academic year winding down, the seniors on the UC Irvine track & field team are preparing to close a chapter in their remarkable careers. The Class of 2019 has seen a tremendous amount of success, with each athlete making their own impact.Â
Sprinter
Hope Bushnell is one of those seniors who will be leaving her mark on the program. The Upland, Calif., native came to UCI in 2015 with a hunger and drive to be one of the best. Through her hard work, she has lived up to those expectations, becoming a two-time All-Big West performer and establishing some of the fastest times in school history in the outdoor 100m and 200m, as well as the indoor 60m and 200m. With graduation fast approaching, Bushnell took some time out of her busy schedule for an exclusive interview, reflecting on her four years as an Anteater, her bond with her older sister and her deep-seated passion for a sport that can often take more than it gives.
Q: What are you going to miss most about being a student-athlete at UC Irvine?
A: What I'm going to miss the most is the routine of it all. When you do something for four years, you get used to going to class every day, going to practice every day and seeing the same people every day. I'm going to miss that part of my life the most. Track has become a big part of my life and it's going to feel weird to not have that as part of my routine anymore.Â
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Q: You currently hold times that rank among the top-three in school history in both the 100m and the 200m. Is being in the record books something that is important to you? Did you ever think you would be one of the fastest runners in school history?
A: Being in the record books is a huge accomplishment to me. My sister (Paige Bushnell) is a track & field alum and I used to always look up to her for being in the record book. It's kind of cool to be in there too and it'll be fun to show our kids one day. Being top three, however, is something that was surprising to me because I never had much confidence in myself when I first started running here. It's something that I take pride in because it shows just how far I've come and how much I developed as an athlete in my time here. Â
Q: You have had some impressive accomplishments in your four years, including a pair of All-Big West honors. What advice would you give to your younger teammates as they move forward in their collegiate careers?
A: The main advice I would give my younger teammates as they move forward is to just believe in yourself. Often times as athletes, it's easy to become discouraged, especially when we don't see the results we want. That's something that I struggled with my first year, but I learned to not pay attention to the results and just go out there and try to win. When you really believe in yourself and believe that you're a winner no matter what, that's the best kind of confidence to have.Â
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Q: What would you say has been the secret to your success?
A: Honestly, hard work. I wouldn't have the success I've had so far if it wasn't for my coach and if it wasn't for the hard work I've put in on the track. Some of the workouts can be brutal, and some days you really don't feel like doing anything, but if you work hard it makes all those days worth it.Â
Q: What has been your favorite memory as an Anteater?
A: Getting on the podium after my 200 race in the Big West Championship Finals last year was my favorite memory of all time. It was something that I've always wanted to accomplish individually ever since I got to UCI and it was a really good feeling to know that I did it.Â
Q: When did you first develop a passion for running and when did you decide to pursue it seriously?
A: My dad put me in track when I was pretty young. My parents put my siblings and me in club track when we were little kids because they had a passion for it and thought we would like it. I started running at 4 years old and was a little too young to compete so I would just practice with my brothers and sisters. However as I started getting older my love of track really developed. In high school my dad would bring me to the track to train me and it became a bonding experience between us. He believed in me and pushed me all the way through. He is the reason why my passion for it grew.Â
Q: What do you like to do before competitions to prepare yourself mentally and physically?
A: Pray. I always pray. I've always been a spiritual person and praying helps me calm my nerves down and focus on what I need to do. When I struggle after a race, praying always helps me get over it and get ready for the next one. IÂ never forget to give thanks to God for bringing me where I am today.Â
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Q: What is your go to meal after a competition?
A: Anything with chicken! I love a good pasta too.Â
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Q: Do you have any other passions or hobbies outside of track and field?
A: I actually have always had a passion for reading and researching. I'm constantly reading up on and researching something I'm curious about. This passion started when I was 8 years old and won a contest for reading the most hours out of everyone in my entire school.Â
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Q: As graduation approaches, what do you aspire to do in the future as you begin to take on your professional journey?
A: Track has been a big part of my identity for many years so it's a bittersweet feeling to leave it behind, but I am excited to take on a new journey and utilize the skills I've learned. Right now, I am currently looking into going into the field of Law because I can see my personality fitting into that. I will take some time to figure out exactly where I will go from here, but I do plan on working or interning at a Law firm before I commit to going back to school.Â
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