On the Track and Field With Laurie Henigan

Sophomore Laurie Henigan was one of the top women's on this year's team notching the fastest time in the 100-meter and the 100-meter hurdles, while also competing in the 200, the relays, long jump, high jump, javelin and the heptathlon. The multi-talented athlete keeps a special place in her heart for her mother and looks forward to the day when she can give back everything her mother has given to her.

On her decision to transfer to College of the Canyons from California State University, Northridge…
When I went there I did not feel like it was for me. My mother talked me  into transferring to a community college. At COC I can work on things like being a better student, while also running track and field.

On her pre-meet rituals…
I say hi to my mom before I enter the blocks. I stretch my arms out and recite a prayer for good luck.

On her favorite track and field event…
The 100-meter dash, that's my race. I get less nervous about it.

On how she started competing in the hurdles…
I started running when I was 9 years-old and I was able to do the hurdles when I turned 11 years-old. When I got into high school I stuck with it and during my sophomore I was the city champion for the 300-meter hurdles. I broke my back my junior year, so I was out that whole season. During senior year I was introduced to a hurdle coach that my mom was friends with and that changed everything for me. He taught me everything. He helped me break the 100-meter hurdle city record.

On the funniest moment she had at College of the Canyons…
I think that every time I go on the track, there is something funny about Coach Kane and Coach Hill. They are definitely the dynamic duo.

On what is next for her…
I am talking to a few schools out-of-state and plan on obtaining a degree in sociology. I want to take track and field as far as I can to make my mom proud because she has taken the time to get me to all of my private sessions. Hopefully, I can go as far as the Olympics.

On her relationship with her mother…
She is my best friend. Since I was young, every sport that I competed in, she has been there to root for me. Every kid does not get to experience that kind of support. She is my rock. I do it all for her and to see her smile.

On another sport she would have liked to play competitively…
When I was younger I wish my mom would have put me in football because I am very aggressive and competitive. I used to play basketball and wished I would have focused on that sport too.

On her favorite professional athlete…
Lolo Jones. She came from a low-income family, as well. She was not given a lot and she had a dream and accomplished it.

On her hidden talents…
I don't have any off the top of my head, but everybody is always says, "Your hair is so cute." They think that I get it professionally done, when I do it by myself. It takes a lot of work and it is about 10-20 minutes to do.

On staying upbeat…
I like to make other people laugh. I think I am a comedian. I like to smile and I like to see other people smile too.