July 13, 2007

TheACC.com introduces you to the league's
athletes, coaches and administrators each week.

Queen Harrison
Virginia Tech
Year: Rising Sophomore
Women's Track & Field
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
Major: Business Marketing
Favorite flavor ice cream: Strawberry

In 2007, Virginia Tech won both ACC team titles led by some young talent. Queen Harrison is a huge part of that success, contributing in hurdles and relays. The talented speedster has broadened her experience even more this summer with international competition. In early July, she won two medals at the Pan Am Junior Championships in Brazil - gold in the 400mH and silver in the 100m hurdles (behind Hokie teammate Kristi Castlin). Below is a Q&A with Harrison from earlier this summer.

How did you get started running track?
Originally I was a basketball player. I come from a very athletic family. It was actually like a prerequisite that you had to play a sport. In sixth grade, when it wasn't basketball season, I went out for the track team. It was almost like instant success. It wasn't until 10th grade that I quit basketball and concentrated on track. I did everything in high school. My main thing in high school was the triple jump, I was a jumper.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete?
I think transitioning into the short hurdles and excelling in that has been the biggest accomplishment. In high school, I ran the 300 hurdles. I never had good hurdle form; it was just speed and jumping over the hurdles. So to come to Tech and have my coach, who is a great coach, show me how to do the hurdles, and excelling is a great accomplishment. I think my breakout point was at the ACC Outdoor Championship, coming in fourth. Fourth might not sound that good, but it was good for me.

What do you still hope to accomplish in the future?
Definitely win a national championship, both as a team and an individual. I really want to go 54 seconds in the 400 hurdles. I just want to break into 54 seconds.

Who was your most influential role model?
I would have to say my parents; they are the most supportive people. They just believe in me at times even when I don't believe in myself. When I was getting down about not doing that well at indoors, they just lifted my spirits up. Definitely my parents.

What was the best advice you ever received from a coach?
To just go out there and execute: My current coach, Coach Johnson tells us that. Instead of saying, you need to run faster and do this and that, he just says one word - execute.

What's your most memorable moment in sports?
Winning my first big championship in high school. I won it in the long jump, it was so exciting. I won it on the last jump, I was in fourth place and that's something I definitely remember.

What was it like for you earning All-American honors in two events?
It feels great. I can't stress enough how thankful I am to my coaching staff for getting me where I need to be. it really feels great. It's an honor that I really can't even put into words because it seemed so far fetched to me. It's just great.

What is it like playing everyday in a conference that is so competitive?
I think it definitely sets you up for the championship season. When you go to regionals and nationals, it's not like you are the best and just ease through the conference, and then really have to try at nationals. To me, it's the strongest survive. You can come in with the top seeded time, but it's about strength, if you can do that in every round. So it definitely helps a whole lot to be in a conference where you have to go hard from the beginning.

Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
My number one reason was because I had faith in the coaching staff to get me where I needed to be track-wise. Secondly, the academics are really great here and it's not too far from home.