Editor's note: "20 Questions" is a weekly series that will feature a High Point University cross country senior throughout the fall season.

Julia Zautcke is part of a six-member women's cross country senior class determined to wrap up their outstanding careers with a second-straight Big South championship. A member of the 2014 Big South All-Academic Team, Zautcke opened the season with a 14th-place finish at the Elon Invite on Sept. 4.

High Point University
 
Why did you choose High Point University?
"I really valued the emphasis on holistic learning. HPU really develops the entire student. You don't just focus on your major – there's always a reason for what they have us do here. We've learned professional skills at the steakhouse and through other activities. It will help us stand out after we graduate. That differentiated HPU from every other university for me."
 
"In terms of cross country, Coach Wrieden was a big reason why I came here. Her emphasis on team atmosphere and putting the team first – I didn't have that in high school. It was mind blowing for me and I knew I really wanted to be a part of the program to experience it."
 
In your opinion, what makes HPU an extraordinary place?
"HPU really cares about each student. You hear on your tour that you're not just a number, but it really is true. It starts when you see your name above the parking spot. The professors here truly care about your success and you don't find that everywhere."
 
What are your plans after graduation?
"I hope to attend medical school and then go on to become a pathologist or pediatric oncologist. My main goal is to provide international medical aid for countries that can't provide it for themselves."
 
Cross Country
 
How did you get into running?
"It was serendipitous in that everyone joined the track team in seventh grade. I went to a Catholic middle school. There were only 26 people in my grade, so everyone joined the track team. I missed practice one day for a dentist appointment and they needed someone to run the mile the next day at the meet. One of my best friends volunteered me to do it. I was a sprinter up until that point, so I was so mad at her for making me do that mile. But I ended up running it, won the meet and never lost in middle school. I realized that I actually enjoyed running at that point. I got into it pretty much by fate and with the help of my best friend."
 
What are some of your best memories from your XC career at HPU?
"Anything that revolves around the team or any team-building exercises we do. The greatest memories are the days we just go out on runs, click together and have good conversations. We can talk about the common goal we have here. Everyone is working so hard to be a part of that goal and I'm so proud to be a part of it."
 
What's on your warm-up mix on Spotify/iPhone, etc.?
"It's kind of odd when you know my personality, but I'm a huge B.O.B. fan. Jay-Z and Kanye West, too. Katie Farina and I always listen to 'Holy Grail' with Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z before a race. It's the perfect pump up song."
 
What's your favorite cross country course that you've run?
"It wasn't the greatest run I ever had, but there was one place I ran in Boulder this summer. It was very hilly and the first seven minutes is straight uphill. But when you get to the top you have this unbelievable view of the Rocky Mountains. It's so gorgeous. Those seven minutes of hell are worth it just to see the view."
 
Did you have a running idol that you've looked up to during your career?
"Mine is a teammate. Erika Peoples' work ethic and passion for the sport are incredible. I strive to match that every day. She's definitely my running idol."
 
Team Superlatives
 
If you were stranded on a desert island, which teammate would you pick to help you and why?
"Natalia [Ocasio] because she would be so positive. You'd have to have a great time, even if you were stranded."
 
Funniest on the team?
"I have to pick more than one. Katie has insightful one-liners that are impossible not to laugh at and Erika has the stupid jokes that totally ease any sort of tension. And Kelly is so sarcastic – we have a similar sense of humor."
 
Most fashionable?
"Kelly Hayes is so organized. Even if she doesn't have the most clothes, she's so organized that she does a great job of picking out the best clothes she has."
 
Most likely to succeed?
"Kasey Spence. She's so driven and dedicated and willing to put in any work necessary that she'll succeed at anything she decides to do."
 
Pop Culture
 
Favorite movie?
"My favorite movie is '300' because it's a great example of the strength of the human spirit. When you can get a group of determined people together, they might not succeed but they'll work as hard as possible toward the goal they have."
 
Favorite TV show?
"'Law & Order: SVU.' It's always on in our house. Whenever we need a study break, we watch it. It's kind of mind numbing and every episode is pretty similar, but it allows you to break away from your life a bit."
 
Favorite book?
"'1000 Splendid Suns.' It shows you how blessed your life is and how other peoples' troubles are so much worse than your own. It humbles you a bit and I like that."
 
Favorite board game?
"I love playing Battleship with Erika. It's one of my favorite past times."
 
Miscellaneous
 
Why are people from Wisconsin so friendly and why is there so much state pride?
"We have to go through so much in the winter that we have to be nice to each other so there's a little bit of happiness in our lives. There's definitely a love/hate relationship where we hate the winter but also have this morbid pride that we can tough it out and get through it. There's definitely a camaraderie in that."
 
Who is your personal hero?
"Both of my parents. Their compassion and selflessness has made an impact on me. I strive to model my life after theirs."
 
If you could have dinner at 1924 Prime with three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
"Winston Churchill, because he was a leader at a very momentous time. He would have great insight into how you can lead people effectively. Amelia Earhart, because she made great strides for women. She showed people that some things men couldn't do at the time she could do. She made a valiant effort and showed even if you fail, you can still be remembered for greatness. And my third one would be my Grandpa Schweitzer. He died when I was younger. My mom always described him as a man of very few words, but the words he did say were very wise. I could gain a lot from having dinner with him"
 
If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would you want to play you and why?
"I would want an actress who is obscure and not very well-known. I consider myself an underdog of sorts, so I want her to be someone who had to go through some tough times in order to get this role or accomplish her goals."
 
What advice would you give to a future HPU cross country runner?
"I would say to enjoy the little moments – the moments where you're sitting as a team at the Cafe and you're just hanging out. Or when you just finished weights and get your chocolate milk at the Fuel Zone and walk out talking about your days. The little moments where you can really connect with your teammates are important. When you leave you'll remember your athletic accomplishments, but it's the impact the people have on you and the impact that you have on people that you'll remember the most."