HIGH POINT, N.C. - High Point University senior distance runner Sarah Dorrell is off to a great start in her final season as a member of the Purple & White. The Blacksburg, Va., native posted her first career top-10 on Sept. 26 at the UNCG Spartan Invitational (10th, 19:20.53). A three-time Millis Scholar-Athlete and Big South Presidential Honor Roll member, Dorrell is majoring in math at HPU.

High Point University
 
1) Why did you choose High Point University?
"Coach Wrieden was one of my biggest factors. She was different than a lot of the other coaches I talked to because it really mattered to her that I came here. William & Mary was my top choice in high school, but I'm really glad I came to HPU, because I don't think I would've had nearly the same experience. There are so many great people here that really care about you as a person."
 
2) In your opinion, what makes HPU an extraordinary place?
"This might sound cheesy, but I really do think it's the people who work here. Especially my educators – I've never had teachers who are so willing to go out of their way to help you on anything. They really get to know you on a personal level. It's surpassed my expectations."
 
3) What are your plans after graduation?
"I graduate in December, so I plan to complete my secondary education program here at HPU for math and get my master's degree next December. Right now I'm planning to teach high school."
 
Cross Country
 
4) What are some of your best memories from your XC career at HPU?
"Freshmen year when we won conference was really cool. Besides that, I just love our trips together. Times in the hotel are generally what I remember more so than anything else - just the time we get to spend together."
 
5) What's on your warm-up mix on Spotify/iPhone, etc.?
"I don't listen to a lot of music, but before a meet, anything cheesy that you can sing or dance along to. Right now it's Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' and I'm not ashamed to admit that."
 
6) What's your favorite cross country course that you've run?
"My favorite place around here is Battleground Park in Greensboro. I just love single-track trails."
 
7) If you could go for a run anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
"I'd probably pick New Zealand – somewhere scenic like that."
 
8) Did you have a running idol that you've looked up to during your career?
"I never followed big runners, but my older brother, Peter, was really talented and awesome to watch race. When he'd go to big meets, he'd never 'sit and kick' which I admired so much. He was more about giving it all he had rather than playing the politics of racing. He was just really inspiring. He now runs at William & Mary."
 
Team Superlatives
 
9) If you were stranded on a desert island, which teammate would you pick to help you and why?
"Julia Zautcke because she's basically the female Macgyver, I assume. I don't know that for sure, but she's a genius."
 
10) Funniest on the team?
"I think probably Katie Farina. Everything she says makes me laugh. She has a really dry sense of humor."
 
11) Best dancer?
"Probably Natalia [Ocasio]. I don't see them dance all that often, but she's definitely the best."
 
12) Most likely to come up with something fun to do?
"Leah Anne [Wirfel] wears things I'd never think of wearing and she always rocks it. She looks great all the time."
 
Pop Culture
 
13) Favorite movie?
"I'll give you two – 'Singing in the Rain' and 'Braveheart.' They're definitely on opposite sides of the spectrum. With 'Singing in the Rain,' I love musicals and it's such a classic. And who doesn't love 'Braveheart?' It just gets you fired up. This would be a great double feature – you'd experience every emotion."
 
14) Favorite TV show?
"Lately my roommates and I have been on a binge of way too much 'New Girl.'"
 
15) Favorite book?
"'Redeeming Love.' It's a portrayal of the Biblical story 'Josiah' during the Gold Rush in California."
 
16) Favorite food?
"Curry and rice, but the Japanese kind – that's a key factor. I ate it all the time growing up because my family used to live in Japan and it's super easy to make. I went every other summer growing up and lived there for a year in seventh grade because my dad was a part-time missionary."
 
Miscellaneous
 
17) Who's your personal hero?
"My mom has to be a saint. She's just the sweetest woman and I hope to grow up to be like her."
 
18) If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
"Jesus would be one. Abraham Lincoln, too – I'd like to see if he actually wears his top hat all the time. And Kelly Ripa because she's adorable and could always hold a conversation – it would never get boring."
 
19) If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would you want to play you and why?
"I've been told that I remind people of Jess in 'New Girl.' I'm not sure if it's because I watch too much of it that I accidentally sound like her. But if Zooey Deschanel played me in a movie I'd be very happy."
 
20) What's the best advice you've ever received?
"There's a verse from Philippians 4:6 and7 that says, 'Don't be anxious about anything but in everything through prayer and supplication and with Thanksgiving let your request be known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds with Christ Jesus.'"

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