Name: Shaina Corbin
Year: Redshirt Senior
Major: Business Communications and Sports Media
Sport: Cross Country / Track & Field (Distance)
Hometown: Ashland, Ohio
*Four-time Reserve National Champion in showing Arabian horses
Q: Being from Ohio, what made you decide on ASU and how did coming in contact with Coach Quintana come about?
A: The weather, team, coach and conference were the main deciding factors in coming to ASU. Honestly, I was over running on the treadmill in Ohio because it was too cold out or there was too much ice on the sidewalk to run. I came on my official visit during February and it was amazing getting off the plane and seeing palm trees and the sun shining. The team was a family and Coach Quintana was confident he could help develop me into the runner I always dreamed of being. Lastly, the Pac-12 conference is named the “Conference of Champions” for a reason. Why would I have wanted to go anywhere else?
I found out about ASU through my previous roommate Payton Schutte. We were actually on an official visit together to Iowa State when she told me that she had visited ASU and loved it. When I told my high school coach I was interested in visiting ASU, she explained that her husband (who was a college cross-country coach back in the day) knew Coach Quintana. With the help of Coach Gallagher and her husband, I was able to get in contact with Coach Quintana and come on a visit.
Q: How would you compare Tempe and ASU to your hometown in Ohio?
A: It is very different to say the least. Ashland, Ohio is a small town in a rural area. The closest mall is 45 minutes away and Ashland is actually home to many Amish. My normal commute to school consisted of passing at least one Amish buggy and horse. Although I love Ashland, it is really nice being in a big city where grocery stores, restaurants and shopping is very close and convenient.
Q: You’re from the Midwest but living here now…do you want a pop, soda or coke?
A: It’s pop still. Soda doesn’t make sense and to me, coke means the kind of pop called “Diet Coke” or “Coca Cola.”
Q: What’s been your favorite change about coming to Arizona and being a Sun Devil?
A: My favorite change about coming to Arizona and being a Sun Devil has been having a large community and unlimited resources to help me excel in every aspect of life. From professors, to coaches and academic advisors, I am so grateful for all the resources ASU has provided me with.
Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals? Food, music, etc?
A: I normally eat a granola bar and banana before every race and workout. The night before a race, I eat lots of pasta. The music I listen too depends on how close I am to racing. A couple hours out I listen to relaxing music to soothe my mind, and when it gets closer to the race I normally turn on some Bruno Mars songs.
Q: You’re now a senior…what have the last four years been like?
A: They’re not lying when they say it goes by in a blink of an eye. I made so many good memories and met some of the most amazing people. It has honestly been one of the most unforgettable experiences. Getting a college degree and putting on a jersey to run for something bigger than myself is something I will always cherish. I wish I could go back and relive my experience as a Sun Devil. It has been incredible.
Q: The Pac-12 Championships are this week and is the first last big meet of your last cross-country season. What would you like to accomplish?
A: The only goal I have for the Pac-12 Championships is going out and running for my teammates as well as running for all the difficult times I have overcome. My running career hasn’t had a lot of consistency due to injuries, but I wouldn’t change it for anything because it taught me how to overcome difficulties and has enabled me to help others who may go through the same things.
Q: What goals do you have for the rest of the cross-country and the track & field season?
A: My goal for cross-country season is to help my team get to Nationals and for track season. My goal is to get to nationals in the Steeplechase.
Q: What will you remember the most and what will you miss the most about being a Sun Devil?
I will remember the people the most and all the ways they have impacted me. The Sun Devil community has been my family away from home. I will miss putting on the Sun Devil uniform and not just running for myself, but everyone who is apart of the Sun Devil community.
Q: You’re majoring in Business Communications and Sports Media…what would you like to do with your major?
A: With my major, I would like to work for a non-profit who focuses on using sports to develop and bring change to communities.