Since stepping foot on campus as a freshman in 2020, Alaina Stone Boggs, aka "Stoney", has put together quite a remarkable career for herself. Originally from Colville, Washington, expectations were high coming into her freshman year. There was pressure to live up to the hype of running collegiate track and cross country just miles down the road from where she had won an individual WIAA state title in cross country as a senior at Colville High School. Suffice to say, she's lived up to those expectations and then some.
Still holding two years of track & field eligibility, Stoney is already second all-time in the Washington State women's outdoor 5,000m with a time of 16:08.95. She's also second all time at 9:21.29 in the women's indoor 3,000m. These are just a few of the many accomplishments for Stoney in her career, but she's hungry for more.
Knowing she's now into the latter side of her collegiate career, Stoney knows there is no time to waste. We were able to sit down with Stoney to talk about her career, this upcoming year, and much more.
Here is what she had to say…..
Q: You've had more success in 3 years than a lot of people can say they've had in their entire collegiate career. What's the mindset like for you to not settle but instead push for more?
A: Exactly that, I think you can't settle and sit on what you have accomplished already, because it's always someone else working. You have to have that mindset of not wanting to be outworked, and not being comfortable with where you're at, and that's what I strive to do.
Q: You're now into your fourth year of college track & field. Where have you seen the most growth in yourself, either mentally or physically?
A: My confidence. 100%. My confidence and strength allowed me to go out and perform without any fear or pressure, and it comes from all the work I've put in over the years.
Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in these past three years?
A: Oh my, I don't know if I can choose just one. I think (Head Women''s Cross Country Coach) Laura (Harmon) coming onto our staff has completely changed the trajectory of the whole program, she's been so great and hands-on with everybody, it's allowed us all to flourish. That's always going to be a memory I'm forever grateful for.
Q: Knowing that your WSU career will be ending sooner than later, do you allow yourself to look ahead and think of "what's next?" Or are you just actively focused on the tasks at hand.
A: I think it's of utmost importance for me to stay in the present and focus on what's currently going on. If I focus too much on what's ahead it'll turn into a mental battle with myself, so I try to stay as present in the moment as possible.
Q: What's one thing you're going to miss most about your time here at WSU?
A: The relationships I've formed, I'm definitely going to miss my coaches and teammates. They've proven to me that they're going to do whatever is necessary to get me to where I need to be, and I've grown so much over the years because of these relationships, so it's going to be hard to leave that behind.
Q: Do you have a special routine you like to do before a race, or do you just go with the flow?
A: About two hours before the race is when I really start to zone in, get something in my stomach and get ready to go. Once warmups start, I like to put on my music to get into gear, then right before the race starts, I'll eat something quick, some carbs usually to get me ready to start.
Q: What type of songs are on the pre-race playlist?
A: Definitely music that's on the "harder" side. Suicide boys gets played often, while I also listen to a lot of NF.
Q: What's one goal you have in mind that you want to let Coug fans know about?
A: I WILL be an All-American before I leave here. Whether it's in track or cross-country, before my time is up I will be an All-American.
Lucky for us Coug fans, we will have a front row seat. Best of luck on the upcoming season, Stoney!
