Most know San Luis Obispo High School senior Shaina Morris as an all star track athlete. She has been the captain of the track team two years in a row and continues to impress in the four hundred meter race. However, Morris not only excels on the track, but in fencing as well. Recently, she committed to the competitive Johns Hopkins University, not for track but for fencing. Expressions interviewed Morris on why she pursued fencing and what being a college athlete entails.

Expressions: Why did you start fencing?

Senior Shaina Morris: I started fencing mainly out of curiosity after seeing it in the 2008 Olympics, and it seemed like a fun contact sport.

Expressions: What do you love most about fencing?

Morris: I love the mental aspect, you’re constantly trying to outthink your opponent. There’s a high degree of athleticism involved, but my best matches happen when I’m in the zone and have my opponent figured out.

Expressions: Do you think track helped with your fencing abilities?

Morris: One hundred percent. I would definitely not have the speed and endurance that I needed to do well in fencing if I hadn’t also competed in track and field. Going to practice right after a hard four hundred meter workout isn’t fun, but ultimately it’s made me a better athlete.

Expressions: What will you be studying at Johns Hopkins?

Morris: I will be majoring in molecular/cellular biology with a minor in applied math/statistics.

Expressions: What will it look like fencing at Johns Hopkins?

Morris: Fencing is definitely intense at the NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association] level, but the coaching staff there is amazing and I’ll be on a team with other students I can rely on.

Expressions: Why did you want to pursue fencing in college rather than track?

Morris: Since freshman year I’ve been pulled between a lot of different track and field events, and experienced high pressure from different coaches. I decided to go with fencing because there are no politics. You either win or you lose, and there’s no, “you have potential in this, but you would have to give up that,” or anything. I’m sad it’s coming to an end, but I’m excited to move on to a new level of competition, as well as a new chapter in my life.