Getting to Know......TEAGAN ZWAANSTRA

Teagan Zwaanstra, 18, is a senior at ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch and she also competes for the Steadfast Track Academy.  She took up the sport at the age of 14 following ten years of gymnastics. She has won five USATF Colorado titles (two in the 100m, two in the long jump, and one in the triple jump) and three USATF Region 10 titles.

As a freshman she finished third in both the 100m and long jump at the Colorado 5A state championships. The following year, as a sophomore, she was a member of the winning state championship spring medley team and once again finished third in the 100m and  long jump.  In the 100m she ran a still standing career best of 11.76.

She recently announced she plans to matriculate to Stanford University in the fall where she will join fellow Coloradans Camille Peisner, Mary Gillett, Cole Sprout, and Max Manson.

In our interview below we learn more about her college decision, who she would most like to have dinner with, her favorite food, and her affinity for the UFC (Ultimate Fighting).
 

---

How did you get your start in track & field?

Starting at the age of 4, I was a competitive gymnast where I won multiple all-around state titles. After 10 years of gymnastics, I made the decision to quit and joined my middle school track team. Growing up I was always the “fast girl” all the boys wanted to race. The following the summer after my 8th grade year, I joined Parker Panthers, my local track club. I quickly fell in love with the sport, which led to me joining my high school track team at ThunderRidge High School.

You have been very successful in your first 3 1/2 years of high school, what would you consider the two most memorable highlights so far?

One moment that will ALWAYS be the most memorable and unbelievable was the finals of the 100m dash my freshman year. After doing track for only a single year, I was still in disbelief that I qualified for state as an individual. I vividly remember lining up against Arria Minor, in complete awe, then running my first ever sub-12 race. I couldn’t believe I had placed 3rd against some of the fastest girls in the nation, after just one year of being part of the sport. 

The next highlight comes from my sophomore year where I had the opportunity to be part of my high school’s state sprint medley relay. The entire season that relay had become extremely close, and I still love every single one of those girls with all my heart. At state, we executed a perfect race which led us to be the 5A state champions! It was incredible to not only win my first state title, but to experience it with my closest teammates and friends!

Favorite subject in school?

Definitely math, but to be specific, calculus and statistics.

Something unique about you that we might not know about you?

I am a huge fan of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). My dad and I watch fights nearly every single weekend!

Favorite Workout?

Although most of the workouts I do are not “enjoyable,” my favorite has to be 3x3x150. I love the speed aspect of this workout, yet there is still a great deal of endurance being worked at.

Favorite Food?

Sushi!!!

Favorite Restaurant?

In Denver, there is an incredible restaurant called Uncle. Their steamed pork buns and duck ramen are to die for!

Favorite music?

My heart will forever be stuck on 2010’s “indie”/alternative music!

Favorite TV Shows?

The Office is always a go to, as I know Dwight will put me in a better mood. Although, for a more serious show I love Mindhunter, which is based on the start of criminal profiling in the FBI in the 70’s.

Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter?  

Instagram is definitely my go to. It keeps me updated with what several of my friends and family members are up to, in addition to having some great memes!

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be? 

Elon Musk for sure! To be around and learn even a small amount from someone who is so accomplished and intelligent would be extremely inspiring.

How about dinner with one person? 

If he were still alive, it would hands down be Pat Tillman. He is such an inspiration to me as he lived his life to the highest standards, while making all of his life choices based on what he believed was best, not being influenced by external pressures. I would love to learn more about his mindset not only as a professional football player, but also the courage it took to drop everything and serve our country.

Your Role Model?

Allyson Felix. Not only do I have tremendous respect for her as a track athlete, but she has demonstrated the definition of longevity within the sport. Also, her dedication to find time to be a mother, then to come back and compete with Olympic intent, is truly inspiring. 

Favorite Athlete?

Within the world of track and field it definitely has to be Dafne Schippers. She has always been an inspiration to me through both her mental and physical strength!!

Goals for outdoor season?

By the end of outdoor season, I would love to hit 20ft in long jump and touch the 11.6s in the 100m. 

You recently announced you would be attending Stanford University in the fall.  What other schools did you consider?

I actually set my heart on Stanford pretty early, but throughout the recruitment process I was seriously considering University of Michigan and University of Washington.

When it came time to make a choice what were the factors for choosing Stanford over the other schools?

Going into recruiting, I always had the mindset that track wouldn’t last for my entire life, so I had to prioritize my education. I wanted a school that not only excelled on the track, but also in the classroom. Additionally, the conversations I had with Coach Iggy, Coach Cooper, and Coach Clark were all incredible!! The communication throughout their coaching staff was nothing I had experienced at any other school.

Do you know what you want to study in college yet?

Currently, I plan on doing mechanical engineering since it is the foundation to various other engineering fields. Being a math and science junkie, I see engineering as the future of society and I would love to be part of the change which makes a lasting impact.

What do you want to be doing in 5 years?  10 years?

Ideally, in 5 years I will graduate with my degree in mechanical engineering and hopefully starting my career! In 10 years, I hope to be utilizing my education in mechanical engineering, in addition to my years of field experience, to make a significant contribution to society through my career.