The Calvin Sports Information Office recently caught up with Calvin head women's triathlon head coach Kattie Carpenter to discuss her team receiving a bid to the upcoming USA Collegiate Triathlon National Championships this Saturday in Tempe, Arizona. The trip to nationals will be the second for the Calvin women's triathlon program.

Question and Answer Session With Calvin Head Women's Triathlon Coach Kattie Carpenter                                                                                                 

Q: When do you plan on leaving for nationals and where is it located this year?

A:  We fly out tomorrow morning to Tempe, AZ. 

Q: What is the specific format of the race? How far are is each portion of the race? (swim, bike, run).

A: Collegiate races are all the same: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run

Q: How many members of the team are you taking to the national championships?

A: Since we qualified as a team, we are allowed 7 athletes to compete, which is great considering we are a team of 7.

Q: What is the excitement level of the team for this team as you are going back to nationals for the second time?

A: The excitement level is high, as you can imagine!  Our first year heading to Nationals was a "gimme" for adding the program.  The team is so excited to have actually earned a spot and to head to the warmth of Arizona!

Q: Can you tell us how much your athletes have improved sine your first year in the program to now?

A: Our team continues to grow.  In our first year, everyone was brand new to triathlon.  We now have a couple women with a few years under their belt.  It's a slow process, especially in the swim, but these athletes continue to improve, and growth is seen even in this season!

Q: With this being your second trip to nationals in three years, how does it help you prepare for this weekend and what are you team goals as well?

A: Having traveled to Nationals before helps a lot in the logistical aspects of things, though organizing flights is more of a pain (and pricier) than pre-covid! Each athlete has slightly different individual goals for this race, which will come around to benefit the team as a whole.

Q: What are your hopes for the Calvin women's triathlon program as you continue to add experiences like nationals to your program's resume?

A: My hope for Calvin Triathlon as we continue to grow is to win!