12 Questions with UDM's Allison Diakow
Jan. 24, 2005
Diakow sees several parallels between her experience on the track and he experience in the classroom. Heavily involved in student organizations and holding a GPA above a 3.8, Allison still finds time to participate and contribute to her team's success on the track. Horizonleague.org wondered what it was like to try to keep up the pace in her event and in her course load.
Q: Why did you decide to attend University of Detroit Mercy?
A: I chose UDM because it allowed me to participate in D-1 athletics while receiving an excellent education. It is a very respected institution, both athletically and academically, which was important to me. I was impressed by the personal attention that I received; the coaching staff, administrators and professors are very supportive and have a genuine interest in the students. The scholarships that I received also influenced my selection of UDM.
Q: What is your involvement in the College of Business Administration Student Advisory Board, and how has the skills you have learned from that organization transferred onto your on field preparation and performance?
A: As a member of the Student Advisory Board I act as a liaison between the undergraduate student body and the administrative staff and faculty of the college. I attend regular meetings where we discuss issues and address problems specific to the school. In addition, the board plans social and recruiting events for the college. I have had the opportunity to represent the college at community events, such as Detroit Economic Club meetings. This experience has improved my communication and leadership skills and has highlighted the importance of dedication, preparation and hard work. These skills and concepts have improved my focus, helping me to become a better athlete and team member. I find that when preparing for or competing in a track meet I am able to draw upon these experiences and become a better athlete.
Q: Was it a benefit to both your academic and athletic career having your family in nearby Livonia?
A: It is nice to have my family located nearby because my parents are very supportive and enjoy attending my track meets. I live on campus and enjoy the independence and experience of living away from home, but it is nice to live close enough to be able to get home when I need to.
Q: What is the thing you will miss most about being part of a team as a player and teammate to others?
A: I will miss the sense of accomplishment and belonging that I get from track. There is nothing better than team success, and track has allowed me to experience this. Also, I will miss the atmosphere because we have many very talented athletes and it is amazing to train and compete with them.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging part of track and field, and how does it compare with the challenges you have had to face in the classroom as a student?
A: Training for a technical event has been the biggest challenge. Hurdles require technical skill, speed, muscle endurance and a host of other qualities; it is difficult and time consuming to work on all of these aspects. In order to do so, you must plan effectively and prioritize. In this way, hurdles are similar to the classroom.
Q: How has being a student athlete enhanced your college experience at the University of Detroit Mercy?
A: Being a student athlete has made me feel more involved in the school, and has introduced me to many of my closest friends. It has also allowed me to participate in many activities, such as SAAC, and has given me many opportunities. Athletics have allowed me to become a member of an important community within the university and truly shaped my college experience. It is very rewarding and enjoyable to be able to represent my school in competition. Some of my best college memories involve track trips, sporting events and the time spent with fellow athletes.
Q: Do you find the hurdles, being a very individual orientated event, more of a challenge because there are no other teammates that can aid your overall performance?
A: The individual nature of hurdles is a challenge, but it is also a reward. It intensifies successes and defeats. Luckily there are several hurdlers at UDM, and we are very supportive of each other. We encourage each other and provide feedback, which makes it more of a team atmosphere. This has been very helpful to me.
Q: Can you draw any parallels from your event, the hurdles, to your life as a student athlete?
A: The hurdles are very specialized and technical. It can be overwhelming and frustrating to consider them as a complete race, but by simplifying them into smaller components, it is possible to improve tremendously. This parallels my life because each of my commitments, academically and otherwise, requires specific skills and presents unique challenges. If I keep things in the correct perspective and tackle problems individually I am able to achieve much more.
Q: Can you describe the difficulties of maintaining a high performance level academically while striving to perform at an equal level on the court?
A: I have found that time management, dedication and organization have been the key to balancing track and school. As long as I maintain this, everything else falls into place. It can be stressful but it is very rewarding.
Q: As a soon to be senior, can you offer any advice to your younger teammates or other athletes that may be just starting their own collegiate careers?
A: I advise my teammates to always work hard and appreciate your experience. You only have one chance to be a college athlete, and competing at such a high level is a privilege and challenge that most will never experience. If you are dedicated and work hard you will reach your potential athletically, but more importantly, you will learn skills that you will carry with you long past your athletic years.
Q: During your off-season, how do you like to spend the extra amount of free time that you have?
A: I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. I spend a lot of time outside during the summer months, swimming, biking and doing other activities. I love Tiger games and any other sporting or social events.
Q: What are your career plans after graduation next spring?
A: I hope to pursue a career in international business and attend graduate school. I would like to live and work abroad, and continue my travels.
