In the Spotlight: Danielle Pfeifer
1/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Jan. 14, 2016
Senior Danielle Pfeifer has been a productive member of the Maize and Blue lineup, scoring all three years at the Big Ten Championships for the Wolverines. She specializes at 800 meters and has also been a successful part of the recent success of U-M's storied distance medley relay tradition. Off the track, Pfeifer is an enthusiastic and committed nursing major. Now that graduation is within sight, she stopped by 'In the Spotlight' to discuss her future career plans, the incredible depth in middle-distance events on this year's team and the lofty expectations for this year's Wolverines.
Q. What are some of the unique aspects of competing in some of the deeper event groups on this roster, specifically the 800- and 4x400-meter relay?
A. It's a testament to our team. We have a lot of depth, with a very strong middle-distance program, and that's how it's been the whole time I've been here. We just work off of one another every single day at practice, and at the meets. This past weekend (at Hillsdale's Winter Opener), I went out and led (the 800 race) and after the first 400 meters, Jaimie Phelan came up front and helped me with it, so it's a huge testament to our team and the hard work that we put in all year. It just comes down to not only wanting to do well for yourself, but also for your teammates. Pushing each other in practice makes that competitiveness really come out in the races.
Q. Michigan is always strong in the middle-distance events, but this year's group is particularly strong. Is there a feeling that you all can accomplish something special?
A. Definitely. We've talked about our goals, and we know what we have planned. Last year we placed all four at Big Tens in the 800, and we want to do that again this year, even moving up each of our places. Hopefully one of us wins it and we can have two-three-four to follow. That's definitely our goal; whether we are in the weight room or at practice we are always talking about our goals and how we are going to accomplish them together.
Q. The 800-meter records held by Geena Gall (indoor, 2:03.37, 2008) and Katie Herdman (outdoor, 1:59.35, 2007) have been up there for awhile. Is breaking those records on you and your teammates' minds at all?
A. I think they're in the back of our mind, but more on the forefront is working together and just putting in the work now. From this work we're doing now we just hope the goals will come in the end as a byproduct of that.
Q. You have more than a few capable leaders on this team, including your three captains. What makes this year's group special or different from the others you've seen while at Michigan?
A. We realize we have a lot of special things coming towards us this indoor season, and I think that's catapulted a lot of people to take more leadership positions and really work with one another to reach those goals. That's where a lot of our leadership comes from -- just realizing that we have a lot of special things coming for us. I'm ultimately just excited for that, and we use it as motivation on a day-to-day basis.
Q. Runner-up finishes in recent years at the conference meet have this team particularly hungry for a Big Ten championship. What is that motivation like?
A. We know what we are capable of so we're keeping that in mind and just putting the work in on a day-to-day basis with the hope that it will show results at the Big Ten meet. Hopefully that takes people further on to the national meet as well.
Q. You've been on the nursing track since you came to U-M. What's in store for you once this season finishes up?
A. You kind of have to (be on that track for awhile) with nursing. I'd like to take the board exams and pass them the first time, and then I have to apply for my license in whichever state I'd like to practice nursing in. I've narrowed it down to Chicago, New York City or going back home to Cincinnati with the ultimate goal as working in a children's hospital in the pediatric unit. Wherever they put me, I'll take whatever I can get!
I was directly admitted to the nursing program (out of high school), which has been awesome. (Coach) Mike has been really great about the whole nursing program, because it is a big commitment, something I have realized in my later years here. I volunteer at Mott when I can, but I am also in the hospital a lot already just to work. There are plenty of long days with long hours, and then I'll come to practice so often I am really exhausted but I love to go see the kids when I can.
Communications Contact: Chad Shepard
