FAIRFAX, Va. – GoMason.com went off the course with Bailey Kolonich, a freshman from Springfield, Virginia.  Kolonich most recently finished first place overall at the Mason Invitational and helped the women's team win the race as well.  The freshman ran an impressive time of 23:46.2 in a 6k at the Oatlands Plantation course.  Earlier this season, Kolonich was also awarded the A-10 Women's Rookie Performer of the Week after finishing with a time of 18:49.3 5k at the Duquesne Duals.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose to run for George Mason?

Kolonich: I chose to run for George Mason because the team and the academics seemed like a great fit for me. 

GoMason.com: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Kolonich: My goal for the rest of the season is to hopefully place well at A-10's and help the team place well overall.

GoMason.com: Who is your inspiration for running, who do you look up to the most?

Kolonich: My inspirations for running are the older girls on the team. Even if I'm having a hard time in workouts, they make sure that I push through it anyways. 

GoMason.com: What kind of activities do you do in the offseason to keep in shape?

Kolonich: In the offseason I like to do some cross training like swimming and running to stay in shape. 

GoMason.com: How do you spend your free time?

Kolonich: Some of my favorite activities are hiking, baking, and watching Netflix. 

GoMason.com: Favorite quote?

Kolonich: My favorite quote is probably the most overused running quote ever: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" -Steve Prefontaine 

The Patriots travel to Princeton, New Jersey for their next race on October 18. The Princeton Invitational will start at 3 p.m.