CALDWELL, N.J. -- Immediately jumping into the top echelon of runners on the Caldwell University women's cross country squad as a freshman in 2023, Dayanara Grau (Union City, N.J.) took another big step forward last year and this season finds herself as the team's most experienced harrier and in a leadership role that comes naturally to the business administration major.

Dayanara, a CSC Academic All-District and two-time CACC All-Academic Team and Academic Honor Roll member, took a few minutes before the Cougars' opening meet on Saturday in Holmdel, N.J. to talk about her personal and team goals.

What is your main goal for your team this season, both on and off the course? 
My main goal on the field is for us to climb up the CACC rankings. With some new distance runners to pair with our sprinters, I believe our team has a great shot at the Conference meet this year. Off the course, my goal is for us to stay determined and maintain our strong work ethic so we can achieve the goals we've set. 

What is a team motto or a core value that will drive your team this season? 
The motto that will define our team this season is, "You are your own opponent." To me, this means the one person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday. There is always something you can improve on, and you can't be satisfied with what you have accomplished in the past. 

What is the one thing you want fans to know about your team? 
I want fans to know that even though we're all not in the same grade, we support each other fully and have become close as a family. Whatever the outcomes of our races are, you can always expect to see us cheering each other on. 

Who is a player on your team that we should be watching out for this season, and why? 
From the men's side, I think sophomore Luke Molyneux is someone to watch out for because he has shown a lot of potential since last year. From the women's team, I feel that I should be the one to look out for. I have set extremely high standards and goals for myself, and I plan on accomplishing all of them. 

What is one personal goal you're striving for this season? 
My personal goal this season is to finish the 5k race in under 20 minutes, which is something I have been working on all summer. I believe I can achieve it by the end of the season. 

What are you most looking forward to in your first season as a team captain? 
I am most looking forward to making sure that everyone on the team is performing well as athletes and also in their studies. I want to do everything I can to make the freshmen feel welcome. 

After you graduate, what are you hoping to do next? 
After I graduate, I hope to become a detective. I also want to join the Garden State Track Club so I can continue my running career.