Ellensburg, Wash. -- Each week wildcatsports.com will highlight a different Wildcat student-athlete as part of our 2020 Player Profiles series.
 
Name: Kiersten Kimminau
Sport: Cross Country and Track & Field
Position: Distance
Hometown: Olympia, Wash.
 
How many years have you been running cross country?
About 15.
 
Favorite Moment as a Wildcat?
My teammates and I got together to talk about mental health, body image, pressures of our sport, etc. Then we eventually ended up spending hours talking, laughing and sharing memories. Talking about everything from the good, bad and ugly brought us a lot closer and I remember feeling a lot of love in that room.
 
What drives you to get up in the morning and train?
Another morning, another cup of coffee. Another run, another spectacular bowel movement.
 
What is something you are currently working on?
I'm working to constantly listen, evaluate, learn and change the way I engage with the society I live in and systems I interact with that have historically and continuously oppressed and persecuted Black, Indigenous, POC, and marginalized people.
 
Is pineapple an acceptable topping for pizza?
Not my preference, but I won't yuck anybody's yum.
 
Biggest Pet Peeve?
People who speak out of ignorance.
 
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Spiderman (the Miles Morales comic version).
 
Who do you consider role models? Why?
A few of my running role models are Emily Infeld, Nikki Hiltz, and Marielle Hall. They seem like really authentic and joyful people on social media and show a realistic balance of life and sport.
 
Do you have any pregame or game day rituals?
I drink coffee and eat oatmeal.
 
When you aren't training, or playing, what are your hobbies?
I love rock climbing and playing guitar. They both offer really fun challenges and it's exciting to see growth and gradual improvement over time.
 
Which actor or actress would you pick to play you in a movie?
Tracee Ellis Ross
 
If you didn't play your position, what position would you play?  Why?
If I were to do another event in Track, I think pole vault would be dope.
 
What music do you listen to right before a game?
To boost my adrenaline and excitement, DaBaby & Megan Thee Stallion. If I'm feeling anxious, The 1975 & Arlo Parks.
 
What is something about you fans may find surprising?
Fans may find it surprising that I play a sport that still demonstrates disproportionate prejudice and scrutiny against Black women athletes and their bodies. This is not just present in my sport though, in the world of athletics, white media, critics and competitors have felt threatened by Black excellence. Take Simone Biles, Serena Williams, and Caster Semenya as just a few examples of Black athletes who have been subject to misogynoir.