Emily Doyle is a four-time Division 3 All-American on the women’s track & field team at Colby College, earning each honor as a member of the 4x400 relay team. The Duxbury High grad is capping her stellar career at this weekend’s NCAA Division 3 Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Wartburg College in Iowa. She is seeded eighth in the 400 meters as an individual. A psychology major with a minor in education, Doyle has already captured NESCAC and New England Division 3 titles in the event this spring. She was ninth in the 400 at the 2016 NCAA indoor meet. Doyle owns the program record in the 400 (55.51), set this year and has a new personal best (25.32) in the 200. At Duxbury, she was the indoor state champion in the 300 meters in 2012.
Q. How would you sum up your final season?
A. One of the best I’ve had. Our new coach, Dave Cusano, has been wonderful and I’ve set personal records in both of my individual events. My teammates are supportive and energizing humans who I love getting to see every day at practice. I’m really going to miss running in circles with them every day.
Q. You are a four-time All-American in the relay. What would it mean to earn individual honors in the 400?
A. The 4x400 has been an amazing part of my Colby track experience, and each of those honors was an incredible feeling. Placing in the top eight in my individual and getting All-American one last time would definitely be the icing on the cake of my Colby track career.
Q. How do you prepare for a big meet? Any pre-race rituals?
A. Big meets are nervewracking! Usually I try to find a quiet place to hang out and listen to music before I warm up. At smaller meets I’m less nervous and spend most of my time cheering on my teammates. I always take a deep breath in the blocks between the “on your marks’’ and “get set’’ commands.
Q. What are your plans for after graduation?
A. I’ll be teaching elementary school as a Teach for America (TFA) Corps member, most likely in New Bedford or Fall River.
Q. What is the most critical aspect of being a successful sprinter?
A. Good running form. That’s one thing I’ve improved upon most since coming to college. I used to run with my legs in front of me more, like I was reaching with my toes, and my legs kicking behind me towards my back. I’ve learned that by hitting under my hips with my stride and not kicking back so much running is easier, and going faster doesn’t feel as hard.
Q. Do you have any hobbies?
A. In my spare time I worked as a student photographer at Colby. I’ve loved photography since I studied it in high school. I also volunteered as a Colby Cares About Kids mentor. This program sets up Colby students with an elementary or middle school mentee, and they hang out for a couple hours a week. Acting as a friend and role model for my mentee was one of my favorite Colby experiences. I’m going to miss shooting hoops and talking about life with her.
Q. How did you get into running track?
A. [It was a] way to stay in shape between soccer and lacrosse. My parents both ran in high school and encouraged my brothers and I to do the same. I didn’t really expect much from running, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. My first season of outdoor track wasn’t until college, because I played lacrosse in the spring. I miss playing team sports in college, but I’m really happy with my decision to run for the Mules.
JOHN JOHNSON
Q. What is the best place you have traveled to?
A. Our track team has made the trek to San Diego for the past two spring break training trips, and I could not have been happier. While I’m still partial to Duxbury Beach, the coastline out there is undeniably beautiful and I loved the laid-back atmosphere. I think growing up in New England winters, and especially spending four winters in Maine, has made me very appreciative of places full of sun.
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