Track and Field

Friday Focus with Grace French

TOWSON, Md. – Every Friday, the Landmark Conference spotlights one of our standout student-athletes in the Friday Focus series. This week’s feature highlights Grace French, a member of the Juniata College women’s track and field team. From record-breaking relay performances to the teammates who inspire her most, Grace shares what makes her Eagles experience so meaningful.

What’s your favorite memory of competing for Juniata?
Beating the school record in the 4x4 relay and 4x1 relay, my freshman year at the outdoor Landmark competition. Especially getting to hug my teammates and coach after.

What drew you to track and field originally?
I’ve always been competitive by nature, and I was also told that I would excel in track, especially by my middle school gym teacher. She was quite convincing, so I made an effort to participate in both soccer and track in middle school. After trying it out, I just kept going back.

How do you prepare the night before a big meet?
By spending time with my teammates and drinking a glass of milk with ice.

Favorite class you’ve taken and favorite professor?
Class - Hollywood Film. Professor - Lynn Cockett, for creating intriguing conversations, always making me feel welcome, and giving me motivation to push myself academically.

Who inspires you most on your team, and why?
Camille McRoberts, for being one of the strongest people I know, both mentally and physically, as well as Olivia Barbacci, for continuously pushing my limits and showing me what I’m capable of. They both keep me motivated as an athlete and support me fiercely.

What’s your go-to hype song?
Sorry, The Kid Laroi

Postgame meal of choice?
Chipotle bowl with brown rice, black beans, steak, pico, corn, sour cream, and lettuce.

Hidden talent most people don’t know you have?
I have long thumbs that make me pretty good at thumb wars.

Favorite athlete growing up?
My older sister, who influenced me to start playing sports in general.

First college meet — what do you remember?
I was disappointed after not meeting my own expectations, but I realized that my teammates would always support me regardless of how I did. Even though I was upset with myself, my track teammates, as well as my soccer teammates, continued to boost me up. It made me realize that I had an entire team behind me, which made the pressure easier to bear.

One word your teammates would use to describe you?
Powerhouse.