Q&A with the students
Meet Cadence Kasprick and Mackenzie Mayer, Grand County High School seniors set to graduate this spring. They’re gearing up for their post-secondary journey, having committed to college-level sports. Kasprick’s headed to Oregon State University for cross country and track, while Mayer will join Colorado Mesa University’s women’s triathlon team. In a Q&A with the Moab Sun News, these talented student-athletes share insights into their exciting next chapters.
Cadence Kasprick, Oregon State University
MSN: What sport/events will you be competing in?
Kasprick: I will be competing in cross country and track at OSU.
MSN: Why did you choose OSU?
Kasprick: I’ve always loved Oregon and fell in love with the campus right when I got there. My visit was amazing and the girls [on the team] made me feel right at home. We went to a haunted corn maze which made for a lot of fun memories. I’m super excited to get to be coached by [OSU Women’s Cross Country] Coach [Louie] Quintana and get to be a part of the program he is building there!
MSN: What are you looking forward to the most at OSU?
Kasprick: I’m looking forward to getting to travel, explore, and focus on my sport! This is a really awesome opportunity I get—I am so grateful and am going to take advantage of it. I’m excited to learn to live on my own, make friends, and surround myself with people who have similar goals to mine.
MSN: How do your parents and siblings feel about you going to college that far away?
Kasprick: My family is super excited for me and has been so supportive throughout this entire process. I’ve gotten super lucky to have such amazing people around me during this time. We are all pretty sad about me going far away, but luckily it’s only two plane rides away and we plan on seeing each other as often as we can. I have family in Portland who I will get to see. Hopefully next year and in the years after, my sisters will come on visits to Oregon State and maybe even end up going there themselves!
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Mackenzie Mayer, Colorado Mesa University
MSN: Why did you choose CMU?
Mayer: In my college search, I was primarily looking for the right fit for a women’s collegiate triathlon team. I narrowed down to CMU as my top choice due to the school size, location, facilities, great exercise science program, and its physical therapy doctorate program. After my official visit with the triathlon team, who are five-time regional champions and consistently ranked top three in the nation for Division II, I knew it was the best fit for me.
MSN: What are you looking forward to the most at CMU?
Mayer: I am looking forward to being part of a collegiate triathlon team and being able to train and compete with them. I am also excited about all the opportunities I will receive academically, as well as their outdoor program that gives me possibilities to do all the outdoor activities I love in Colorado.
MSN: How does your family feel about you going to CMU? Are you happy that you’ll still be close to Moab?
Mayer: I am so excited to be attending a school in Colorado and having new experiences while only being a couple hours from home. My family has been super supportive in allowing me to make my own decisions while choosing the right college, but secretly they were hoping I would pick CMU to be a little closer to them. So they are beyond excited as well!
