Women's Cross Country: Get to Know the Blue Devils

CCSU athletics is rolling out a new series to "Get to Know the Blue Devils." Despite sports competition being suspended during the fall season, CCSU student-athletes continue to succeed in the classroom and have an impact in the community. Through a series of questions and answers, CCSU fans and supporters can become familiar with many of the Blue Devils' student-athletes and learn who their favorite athletes are, what talents they have, bucket list goals and other interesting tidbits away from the field of competition.

This will be an ongoing feature throughout the semester, check back on our social media channels and at CCSUBlueDevils.com for updates.

Leah Jensen  |  So.  |  Wethersfield, CT

Major: Exercise Science

Why did you choose CCSU?
It was the most affordable.

Is there anything interesting about you that you would like us to know?
I have been an Irish step dancer since I was 9 years old. I won my first and second regionals in Irish dance. I was on a junior Olympic archery team. I was never on a track or cross country team before college but now I'm on both here at CCSU. I was homeschooled until Junior year of high school.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
Making friends, practicing with the team and learning valuable information from my classes for my future career.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
It doesn't matter if they believe in you, you just need to believe in yourself.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I qualified to compete at an international level with competitive Irish step dancing and I competed in Vancouver Canada representing the United States of America. I am also proud of being on the team here at CCSU.

What are your future plans?
I plan to work with athletes to help them achieve their own goals.

What is one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Friends are an important part of life.

Who is your favorite athlete to watch and why?
Simone Biles because she executes each movement with power and confidence. She is an incredible athlete.

What's at the top of your bucket list of things to do?
I would love to compete in a triathlon.

Besides playing your sport, do you have any other talents?
I love indoor rock climbing

Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
AnnaSophia Robb

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi

What is your favorite childhood TV show?
I loved watching Curious George

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
Turtles can breathe through their butts.

What superpower would you like to have?
Flight.

What would be your spirit animal?
A fox.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I like listening to Post Malone

Angie Rafter  |  Sr.  |  Danielson, CT

Major: English (Psychology minor)

Why did you choose CCSU?
CCSU wasn't even on my radar when I first started applying to colleges. In high school, I never thought I was good enough to compete in a division one program. However, once my best friend Katie Stevens committed here, I thought I would just apply and see where the process would take me. Once I started the recruiting process with CCSU, I eventually was able to see myself being a part of the Blue Devil family. Best decision I have ever made.

Is there anything about you that we should know?
When I was in third grade I played on an all-boys football team for my town. I was actually the only girl in the entire league.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at CCSU?
I am most looking forward to inspiring those around me and future student-athletes. During my time at CCSU I've been injured with two serious injuries. However, I did not let my injuries define me or my love for being a student-athlete. I want people who are in similar circumstances to understand that life comes with both good and bad days. How you respond to both of those days is what matters the most.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment to date is any personal best that I have ever run. If I don't win a race but can walk away with a PB, that's a win for me. It's really about seeing the improvement and the hard work pay off for me.

What are your future plans?
My long term career plans are to become a health psychologist within the field of sports. I want to be able to help athletes who struggle with not just the physical side of the spot, but the mental stress that comes along with their sport as well.

Who is your favorite athlete to watch, and why?
My favorite athlete to watch is Tom Brady. If you don't know why just rewatch Super Bowl LI. Also, any athlete who runs marathons--they all just amaze me.

Besides running, do you have any other talents?
I would say I am pretty good at making people laugh.

Do you have a favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine

Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Julia Roberts

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken Parmesan

What superpower would you like to have?
The power to heal

Who is your favorite music artist?
Nickelback