Student-Athlete Spotlight: Megan O'Neill
10/7/2015 9:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Outdoor Track and Field, Women's Indoor Track and Field
Megan O'Neill is in the midst of her senior season with the Millersville women's cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. A native of Morton, Pa., O'Neill has been a four-year member of all three teams.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The Student Memorial Center. I work at the information desk in there and do all my homework there. It's where all my time is spent (when I'm not out on the roads running).
Who is your favorite professor/class and why?
I've had Dr. Hardy for Bio 101 and also Botany. The passion he has for the subject and for plants radiates from him when he teaches. He made going to class something I truly looked forward to. The environment he created for learning was positive and focused. I would totally take another class with him.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Biology with a concentration in Marine because I have been interested in the ocean and what is living underneath it ever since I was a child. I would like to be able to research and develop new understandings that could be beneficial to the world we live in.
Why did you choose Millersville?
Coach Andy Young responded to my recruit form and invited me to run for Millersville; I couldn't pass up such a grand opportunity! Millersville also had my major and I really liked the location of the school as well.
What is a day in the life of a student-athlete?
It's a hectic lifestyle but also very rewarding. A typical day consists of going to classes, practices, eating, studying, working, and sleeping. It requires a need to be organized and adaptive. There is always somewhere to be or something to be done.
How has playing sports at Millersville changed you as an individual?
It has shaped me into who I am today and has been a huge aspect of my life. I have learned life lessons that I wouldn't have been able to learn anywhere else but on our home track. I've developed essential tools that will become and have been very helpful in my life.
What has been the most rewarding community service project?
We held a kids clinic that my teammates and I volunteered to help work. It was great to see the look of accomplishment that these kids achieved week after week when they learned how to do something new. Seeing them progress throughout this clinic was amazing, not only physically but also watching their confidence grow. One of the parents actually approached me to tell me that their child didn't want to come to the program, but only continued to attend because of us college athletes that were helping out and encouraging them. So it was extremely rewarding getting to know these kids and impacting their lives, even if it was in such a small way.
What is your favorite sports team?
The Phillies, I have always watched them play with my brothers.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Michael Jordan because of his great performance in 'Space Jam'.
What is your favorite sports memory?
We went on a spring break trip my sophomore year. It was incredibly fun to be able to live with the team. We competed there as well; it's always cool to cheer everyone on and it's amazing to watch them succeed.
Who do you most admire and why?
My Grandfather, we call him Poopa. He had a double knee replacement and was running eight miles at 7:24 pace in no time. He's always smiling and cracking jokes. He's the true definition of happiness!
What is the greatest risk you've ever taken?
I went to New York once. It was completely out of my comfort zone. I'm not a city person; also not much of a risk taker.
Where will you be in 10 years?
I'll be successful with my degree, a satisfying job, and most importantly, happy as can be.
What is the most significant challenge you've overcome?
I get lost quite often on my runs, so finding my way home is sometimes a challenge within itself.
Best piece of advice you've received?
"If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely," Roald Dahl. He was my favorite author growing up.
What is favorite place you've visited/vacationed?
Crystal Springs in Florida. It was breathtaking.
The one thing you cannot live without?
Peanut butter. Its good on almost everything. I'm still confused as to why one serving is only two tablespoons.
What hobby or ability might we not know you have?
Is it obvious that one of my hobbies is running?
What is at the top of your "bucket list?"
Run a marathon on all seven continents.
What is your favorite TV show?
Survivor. I would love to actually go on it one day.
What is your favorite movie?
The Land Before Time movies. I'll forever be a child a heart!
Who is your favorite band/artist and have you seen them live?
Luke Bryan, and I have never been to a live concert.
What is your favorite meal?
Salmon, quinoa, and spinach. Delicious and nutritious. Cant forget some ice cream, though!
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The Student Memorial Center. I work at the information desk in there and do all my homework there. It's where all my time is spent (when I'm not out on the roads running).
Who is your favorite professor/class and why?
I've had Dr. Hardy for Bio 101 and also Botany. The passion he has for the subject and for plants radiates from him when he teaches. He made going to class something I truly looked forward to. The environment he created for learning was positive and focused. I would totally take another class with him.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Biology with a concentration in Marine because I have been interested in the ocean and what is living underneath it ever since I was a child. I would like to be able to research and develop new understandings that could be beneficial to the world we live in.
Why did you choose Millersville?
Coach Andy Young responded to my recruit form and invited me to run for Millersville; I couldn't pass up such a grand opportunity! Millersville also had my major and I really liked the location of the school as well.
What is a day in the life of a student-athlete?
It's a hectic lifestyle but also very rewarding. A typical day consists of going to classes, practices, eating, studying, working, and sleeping. It requires a need to be organized and adaptive. There is always somewhere to be or something to be done.
How has playing sports at Millersville changed you as an individual?
It has shaped me into who I am today and has been a huge aspect of my life. I have learned life lessons that I wouldn't have been able to learn anywhere else but on our home track. I've developed essential tools that will become and have been very helpful in my life.
What has been the most rewarding community service project?
We held a kids clinic that my teammates and I volunteered to help work. It was great to see the look of accomplishment that these kids achieved week after week when they learned how to do something new. Seeing them progress throughout this clinic was amazing, not only physically but also watching their confidence grow. One of the parents actually approached me to tell me that their child didn't want to come to the program, but only continued to attend because of us college athletes that were helping out and encouraging them. So it was extremely rewarding getting to know these kids and impacting their lives, even if it was in such a small way.
What is your favorite sports team?
The Phillies, I have always watched them play with my brothers.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Michael Jordan because of his great performance in 'Space Jam'.
What is your favorite sports memory?
We went on a spring break trip my sophomore year. It was incredibly fun to be able to live with the team. We competed there as well; it's always cool to cheer everyone on and it's amazing to watch them succeed.
Who do you most admire and why?
My Grandfather, we call him Poopa. He had a double knee replacement and was running eight miles at 7:24 pace in no time. He's always smiling and cracking jokes. He's the true definition of happiness!
What is the greatest risk you've ever taken?
I went to New York once. It was completely out of my comfort zone. I'm not a city person; also not much of a risk taker.
Where will you be in 10 years?
I'll be successful with my degree, a satisfying job, and most importantly, happy as can be.
What is the most significant challenge you've overcome?
I get lost quite often on my runs, so finding my way home is sometimes a challenge within itself.
Best piece of advice you've received?
"If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely," Roald Dahl. He was my favorite author growing up.
What is favorite place you've visited/vacationed?
Crystal Springs in Florida. It was breathtaking.
The one thing you cannot live without?
Peanut butter. Its good on almost everything. I'm still confused as to why one serving is only two tablespoons.
What hobby or ability might we not know you have?
Is it obvious that one of my hobbies is running?
What is at the top of your "bucket list?"
Run a marathon on all seven continents.
What is your favorite TV show?
Survivor. I would love to actually go on it one day.
What is your favorite movie?
The Land Before Time movies. I'll forever be a child a heart!
Who is your favorite band/artist and have you seen them live?
Luke Bryan, and I have never been to a live concert.
What is your favorite meal?
Salmon, quinoa, and spinach. Delicious and nutritious. Cant forget some ice cream, though!
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Women's Outdoor Track and Field
/ Women's Cross Country
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