Erin Bartlett

Name: Erin Bartlett

School/Mascot: Northern Michigan University Wildcats

Sport: Short track Speedskating

Class: Sophomore

Current City: Marquette, MI

Hometown: Lakewood, OH

Birth date: 5/7/1990

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 5’10

On your sport…

How long have you played? What inspired you to play?

I started skating about 14 years ago. My dad got me started in the sport because it was a unique sport, and he knew it could bring a bright future.

Where is your favorite place to compete?

My favorite place to compete would have to be in Cleveland Heights, Ohio because I grew up skating there, and it is always nice to go home.

What is your favorite number? Why?

My favorite number is 13 because that’s the number I was when I won my first Nationals in 2006.

Who is the best skater(s) you’ve skated AGAINST?

The best skaters I’ve skated against would have to be Katherine Reuter (2010 US Olympian) or Allison Baver (2010 US Olympian)

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I always follow the same warm up routine, and I always put on my right skate first.

If you didn’t skate, what sport would you play?

If I didn’t speedskate I would probably be into snowboarding, because I snowboarded for about 5 years before I had to quit for skating.

What is the worst experienced you’ve had? What did you learn from it?

The worst experience I had was missing the 2009 Junior World Team by one spot. I learned that anything can happen in skating, and sometimes the best won’t always happen.

Have you ever had an injury while performing your sport?

During Olympic Trials in September, I fell with another skater and sprained my back.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?

I would say my greatest accomplishment would be skating for the Junior World Team in Italy in 2008.

What is your most memorable moment? Why?

My most memorable moment would be getting accepted into the US Olympic Education Center in Marquette, MI where I am able to train and go to school.

How has your sport helped you become who you are today?

Speedskating has taught me to be disciplined at a young age, so it keeps me on track.

How has your family reacted to all of your sporting success?

My family has always been there for me through the ups and downs. They are proud of me no matter what I do, so to have their support means the world to me.

Behind your sport…

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like spending time with family and friends, shopping, reading and listening to music.

Name 3 Fun Facts about yourself that people may not know.

I am clumsy, I tend misplace things a lot, and I only like movies if their love stories.

Do you have a pet peeve? If so, what is it?

My biggest pet peeve when people chew loudly

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Ps3 or Xbox or neither? Neither

What is your favorite part about college?

Being in a New City, meeting new people

What is your favorite quote?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined” Henry David Thoreau

Who is the most influential person you’ve met? Why?

My coach Tricia Stennes, because she competed in two Olympic games, and that’s what I hope to do.

What do you value the most?

I value my family the most, because they are always there to support me.

What is your major? Why did you choose it?

I am still undecided

Outside of your sport, what are your visions/goals in life?

Graduate from college and find a respectable job, and eventually have a family.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

It’s hard to say. I would still like to be skating.

Final thoughts…

How do you feel about being the Dorm Rumor?

I think that it is great that I have been selected. I think it is a great way to get athletes recognized.

What are your thoughts about Mylan Murphy?

I think that Mylan is very talented and successful. I think Strive4 is a great organization and I commend him for everything he has done with it

What advice do you have to anyone reading your story?

Never give up. There have been times where I thought I wasn’t good enough, but I stuck it out and it has brought me far.

What will you continue to Strive4?

Success