7 minute read
10 Questions with Maurica Powell
Next Article
UW WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK COACH MAURICA POWELL
GOING THE DISTANCE
A CONVERSATION WITH MARK MOSCHETTI FOR GO HUSKIES MAGAZINE
Maurica Powell and her husband Andy took charge of the UW cross country and track programs in 2018 — Maurica as program director, and Andy as the head coach. Along with overseeing all aspects of the program, Maurica coaches the Husky women’s distance runners for cross and track.
Since her arrival, Maurica has guided Washington to top-25 finishes at the last three NCAA outdoor national track meets. The women’s cross country team has made it to the NCAA Championships all four years that Powell has been here.
In this issue’s ‘10 Questions,’ Maurica talks about the program, how she constantly strives to improve as a coach, and reflects on the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
UW women’s cross country and track coach Maurica Powell brings poise, power and balance to her athletes and life
You’re heading into your fifth season at UW, and the program has made some big strides. Is there one area in which you feel really good about how things have gone through the first four years?
“Above all else, we aim to deliver to our student-athletes an athletic experience that is challenging, meaningful, and enjoyable, and that will also provide skills and perspectives that will help these young people navigate life after they’ve moved on from collegiate track and field. We preach the importance of controlling attitude and effort over outcomes, embracing the process of improvement, and of each person striving to be the best version of him or herself. We’ve been fortunate to see our performances reflect a commitment to these principles, and I’m proud that we’re building a sustainable model for continued success.’’
While everyone enjoys track, there’s just something special and unique about cross country season — there’s nothing quite like it. For you, what’s the most special part about cross?
“Cross country season is really special for a number of reasons, and I can’t choose just one! I love that the races are chaotic and unpredictable, and as such it’s a test of both physical ability as well as resilience and adaptability. The score is entirely dependent upon a complete team effort, and I love watching our runners gain momentum from one another during the race as it unfolds.’’
Is there any athlete whom your coaching instincts are telling you just might be ready for a breakout kind of season this fall?
“Anna Gibson went on a tear at the end of the track season over 1,500 meters and 800 meters, and I suspect she’s ready to translate both her fitness and what she’s learned about herself to the cross country course.’’
While athletes stay in shape during the summer with running and other kinds of training, how do you stay in “coaching shape” — is it clinics? Seminars or conferences? Camps? Or something else?
“I have a good network of colleagues across the NCAA and professional track and field with whom I regularly discuss all sorts of coaching topics, from training philosophy to communication strategies. The summer months provide a little more time for a deep dive, for sure. I like to read journal articles and books about the physical preparation of endurance athletes, but also more broadly about leadership and relationship building.’’
After the shutdowns and changes brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, last year was a move back toward normal, beginning with cross country in the fall. What was that like for you as a coach to have that sense of normalcy again?
“We were really fortunate here at the UW that our administration found a way for our fall sports teams to live and train on campus during autumn quarter 2020, and the nature of track and field and cross country was conducive to socially distanced practices and small-scale competitions during the winter of 2021. As a result, when normalcy prevailed in 2021-22, our student-athletes had grinded and trained for a long stretch and were ready to get back into frequent and regular competitions. As a coach, it was rewarding to see how grateful and excited our teams were to test themselves again and represent each other and their university.’’
People such as you who coach distance runners are competing every month of the school year — cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter, outdoor track in the spring. What’s one thing you do as a coach to stay sharp and fresh and focused through all of that?
“Refocusing after each season and dialing into the next one is absolutely a challenge, and it requires a quick and thorough analysis of what went well, what needs improvement, and how we can best move forward. Honestly, I think it’s a blessing to always have another championship a couple of months away. I’m forced to stay present and turn the page quickly and neither rest on laurels nor lament defeat for very long.’’
What are one or two experiences that have opened up to you because of coaching, and how have those experiences impacted your life?
“People and relationships are everything to me. Coaching has brought extraordinary people into my life, including student-athletes, other coaches, and my bosses, all of whom have taught me more than I could ever hope to impart. I’ve met my closest friends through coaching track and field, and I’m a better person, a better parent, and a better wife because of their impact.’’
Coaching has given you the opportunity to visit many different places. Is there one place that ranks high on your list of favorites?
“My family lives on Mercer Island, Washington, and we’re convinced it’s the best place on earth.’’
This is the 50th anniversary of Title IX, and it has done so many positive things for female athletes and women’s sports. What would you say Title IX’s biggest impact has been for cross country and track?
“The opportunity to earn athletic scholarships for cross country and track and field provides accessibility to undergraduate and graduate education to a broad and diverse group of women, both here in the U.S. and across the globe. Access to a world-class education, such as that which our women receive here at the UW, is life-changing for most.’’
Of course, there is still more that needs to happen to reach equality and equity in athletics. Is there one area where you think the next emphasis should be with regards to Title IX?
“We’ve got to find a way to keep more women coaching women, and especially in leadership roles. Anecdotally, I’d say that women are coming out of college with an interest in the profession, but they often can’t see a clear pathway to the other side if they want to start a family. I’ve been fortunate to be the beneficiary of strong mentorship from my own college coach, Dena Evans, and to be part of a campus community at the UW that includes a woman as President of the university and a woman as Director of Athletics. I fully support all the initiatives the NCAA and USTFCCCA are taking to formalize mentorship and target retention of young women coaches. The statistics aren’t good, though, nationwide.’’
