Oct. 22, 2010
Fairfax, Va. Last season Grace was awarded the CAA Most Outstanding Field Performer Award and helped the women reach a runner-up team finish at the CAA Championships. She was also the 2010 CAA Champion in the long jump and triple jump and competed at the NCAA Preliminary Round in the triple jump. Grace now ranks #3 all time on the George Mason Indoor list with her triple jump performance of 13.03 meters that sent her to the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championship. Grace recently spent some time answering questions for GoMason.com.
GoMason.com: You are now a Junior, how was your transition to America from Zimbabwe, your first two years in college?
Mavugara: Getting used to a new environment is always hard in the beginning because you have to learn to adapt to the new lifestyle, but after being here for two years I have gotten used to the way of life and especially the training. It's been a great experience and I have learned to be a better person, both academically and athletically.
GoMason.com: What do you feel were some of your biggest accomplishments last year?
Mavugara: Qualifying for nationals and setting a new personal record in the triple jump was great. Most importantly was winning both the triple jump and long jump and getting the award for the most outstanding field performer at the CAA Championships.
GoMason.com: What are your personal goals for this year?
Mavugara: My goals are to pass all my classes and improve my personal record in the triple jump and long jump
GoMason.com: You competed at the 2010 NCAA Indoor championships in the triple jump, is there anything you learned from that experience?
Mavugara: I learned that you need to be competitive in order to be a good athlete and also that success comes through hard work and determination. I also learned that I should never underestimate myself and should always put 100% effort in everything I do.
GoMason.com: What does your typical offseason training involve?
Mavugara: A lot of endurance workouts comprising of hills, circuit training and fartleks.
GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?
Mavugara: My mom, because she made me who I am today.
GoMason.com: Do you have any rituals you do before an event?
Mavugara: I do a short prayer, make sure I have a good warm up and that I am ready to go and jump.
GoMason.com: What do you like to do in your free time?
Mavugara: Relax in my room and watch TV.
GoMason.com: Is there any special food you eat before or after an event?
Mavugara: I love eating pasta and chicken alfredo after competing.
GoMason.com: What are your plans for after graduation?
Mavugara: I plan on getting a job and to raise money to go to graduate school. I definitely want to continue running and one day become a professional athlete.
