CHICAGO--The Illinois Institute of Technology athletic department will be recognizing student-athletes on an individual basis as a part of NCAA Division III Week. The fourth installment is women's cross country / track & field junior Erin Nelson. The Chicago native carries indoor career bests of 2:53.08 in the 800 meter run, 20:38.54 in the 5000 meter run and 6:07.99 in the mile run. She carries outdoor career bests of 3:13.47 in the 800 meter run, 12:12.77 in the 3000 meter run, 6:02.82 in the 1500 meter run and 21:45.04 in the 5000 meter run.
WTF/XC | The fourth installment of our student-athlete profile series is Erin Nelson!!! @ILTechXCTF #WhyD3 #D3Week
— Illinois Tech Athletics (@ILTechAthletics) April 16, 2020
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FAVORITES
Opponent: Aurora – the girls are always great competitors and supportive athletes
Road Trip: St. Louis (Wash-U Trip) 2019
Pro Athlete: Colleen Quigley
Pro Team: Cowboys or White Sox
College Course: Aurora's Oakhurst Forest Preserve Course
Pastimes: PUZZLES and Legos
Prized Possessions: My Running Shoes or Past Running Bibs
Book: The Great Gatsby
TV Show: The Office
Actor: Joaquin Phoenix
Movie: Inception
Singer/Group: Ke$ha
Food: PASTA!
Restaurant: Pancho Pistoles
Video Game: Minecraft
Vacation Spot: New York!
Mobile App: LinkedIn (got to be ready for the professional anytime of day)
UP CLOSE
Why I Chose Illinois Tech: I love the diversity outside of the classroom. It means that I am learning from my friends about new cultures and not just taking exams and doing homework. I love constantly learning about other people's backgrounds and other parts of the world.
Strength: I would say that I am very inclusive of others around me.
Weakness: I am very disorganized often because of my constant flow of thought and energy!
Game Day Ritual: Nothing as long as I got my lucky socks on I'm good to go.
Favorite Memory: Towards the end of last year's track season, a lot of athletes started going home but a few of us remained on campus for the last chance meets that we had the week after finals. I remember hanging out with some of the top guys on our team who are my close friends and Maddy, one of our senior girls. We had a game night one night where we got to really know each other. We also had a fake bonfire with a flashlight and a red cup so that we could just tell stories about who we are and where we come from. I've never felt like more of a family within a team than I did those nights with people I now call best friends.
Best Player I've Ever Faced: Emma Roberts
Pet Peeve: When people offer to run with you and wear headphones and listen to music instead of talking to you.
Biggest Fear: Heights except for Rollercoasters
First Job: Summer Special Recreation Camp Counselor
Person I'd Like to Meet: My GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT grandfather Sven
What People Don't Know About Me: I can sing
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My watch
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: My runner's feet are pretty rough I would probably get some new toes.
Plans After Illinois Tech: I am planning to work in an architecture firm. Hopefully the one in Oak Park that I currently work part time for (Aria Group Inc.). I hope to transition into half and full marathon training as well!