New Paltz athletic communications intern Ava Yurchison caught up with senior Mackenzie Cummings of the New Paltz women's cross country team for the week eight release of the 2015-16 Senior Spotlight series that will have a new senior interviewed every Monday.Q: Why did you come to New Paltz?A: "I actually applied here on a whim, and then I come up on my recruit trip and we went on a run up into the mountains and I was sold."Q: When did you get into running competitively?A: "Seventh grade. I started running with my mom in the mornings before school when I was in fifth grade, and eventually, I wanted to try a school sport. So, in seventh grade when modified came up, I was like 'oh why not try running.'"Q: You have been named to the SUNYAC All-Academic Team and the SUNYAC Commissioner's List in the past. How did you manage that with being an athlete?A: "It was very difficult at times with a lot of two-hour sleep nights. I don't know; it basically requires a lot of balance and a lot of being able to manage your time well; making sure you're not waiting until the night before to write an essay because what happens if that day, practice went on for a year and you don't get home until really late? It was just a lot of balance and not procrastinating."Q: How has being on a team shaped your experience here at New Paltz?A: "I think that being on a team has definitely enhanced my experience here at New Paltz. I have made my closest friends from being on my team. I have also gotten very involved in the athletic department, more than I would if I wasn't on a team."Q: What is your plan post graduation?A: "I actually just applied to medical school, so hopefully I become a doctor."