Interview: Minnesota's Newest Recruit, Isabella Roemer

What made you choose the University of Minnesota?

The main reason I chose Minnesota was because I immediately connected with the coach and the team. Coach Hopkins, the head women's and men's cross country and track and field coach reminds me a lot of my current high school coach, Coach Woodrow, who I am very close with. Having a good relationship with both the coach and the team was a huge deciding factor for me, along with Minnesota being so close to home, I knew it was the right choice for me!

What are you most looking forward to about being a Gopher?

I'm super excited to join such a successful program as the Minnesota Gopher Women's cross country team, but I'm most excited about being a part of such a close-knit community. Throughout my high school career, I have had the mindset of racing hard with and for my team, and I can't wait to do that with the Gopher xc team!

Last month, Ali Weimer announced her commitment to Minnesota. How does it feel to have some of your current competitors as future teammates?

I am beyond excited to be future teammates with Ali! We became friends after the State track meet last spring and took a couple of our official visits together this fall which was a blast! She is a crazy talented runner, but also an amazing friend and I can't wait to be Gophers together next year! I have also gotten to know Zoie Dundon, from Burnsville, very well this fall! It was so cool to be able to run side by side with her at the State cross country meet and I'm so excited to train and race together in the years to come!

Outside of running, what are you planning to study at the U?

I am hoping to major in Kinesiology next year and complete my undergraduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. From there, I am hoping to go onto graduate school (hopefully also at the U!) in the department of either Physician Assistant specializing in exercise science or Physical Therapy!

What has been the highlight of your cross country season so far?

The highlight of my cross country season was definitely the State meet! All season leading up to this race, I have been struggling with low iron, but I was finally able to have a strong race at State! Beyond just the race itself, State was a super fun experience for my teammate, Marissa Long, and I to do together as we didn't have an official state meet last year.

What has been the most memorable experience in your high school career?

My most memorable high school experience was definitely when my team and I made it to State in cross country my Sophomore year. Sections was my first race back from being out with a stress fracture all season and my team and I had no expectations going into that race. Although we weren't seeded to make it, we pushed each other throughout the entire season and gave it our all that day to make it to State! To celebrate, my teammates and I decorated my coach's house, which has been a long-lasting tradition for many years!

Who have been some of your favorite athletes to compete against?

It has been so nice to compete with so many different athletes this year as last year was pretty restricted. My favorite person to race with is my teammate, Marissa Long, who pushes me daily to become better! This year, we have had the privilege to race against some very talented teams, such as Minnetonka, Edina, and St. Paul Highland Park!

Do you have any race day rituals or superstitions?

Yes, I actually have quite a few race day rituals! The night before, I always have a pasta dinner with my team, foam roll, and take an ice bath for 12 minutes! The day of, I always eat oatmeal for breakfast, listen to my race day playlist, have a peanut butter bagel 3 hours prior, and wear my lucky race day socks!

How has Nordic helped you in running?

I think Nordic has contributed a lot to my success, especially in track, which immediately follows the Nordic season! It is nice to take a break from the constant pounding of running and work my body in a different way cardiovascularly. In addition to Nordic increasing my endurance, it also works my arms and core in different ways than running which makes me a stronger, more well-rounded athlete! 

Who have been some of your biggest supporters in your running career? 

I am so lucky to have so many incredible people in my life that have supported me throughout my running career. My teammates, such as Meghan Pierson, Maddie Hauck, and Marissa Long, are always the first ones to pick me up after a tough race and continually challenge me to make me better. My coaches, Woodrow, Powell, and Shriever have been amazing mentors and role models that I would never be where I am today without. My parents, who always want what's best for me and go above and beyond to help me succeed in all I do. And lastly, my brother, Justin, who inspired me to start running in the first place, has believed in me every step of the way, and still supports me today even from afar.