Aaliyah Miller one of the best, 800m runners in the state of Texas announced earlier this month her plans to attend Baylor University next fall. Miller holds the state 800m record of 2:07. The McKinney Boyd senior won both the 400m and 800m races at State last year making her a four time State Champion. Check out our Q&A with Aaliyah below, to see more on why she picked Baylor, her goals for this season and more.
Texas MileSplit: How long had you been thinking about the decision, and what made you finally decide on Baylor?
Aaliyah Miller: Once July 1st came around, it started to hit me that I actually had to choose just one! Each school I considered had something unique that stood out, but to me Baylor is home! I really like the girls Coach Harbour has recruited, and with the new track facilities there, I can't wait to start training!
Texas MileSplit: How much did staying in Texas effect your decision?
Aaliyah Miller: I wanted to stay in the Big 12 Conference so i could be close to home, and so my parents could watch me race! I really like Texas, and I love Texas MileSplit so staying in Texas was a big factor in the college that I chose.
Texas MileSplit: What were some of your other top schools?
Aaliyah Miller: Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and The University of Texas
Texas MileSplit: What do you plan on majoring in?
Human Resource Management
Texas MileSplit: What are some of your goals for this track season? Anything big in particular?
Aaliyah Miller: Hopefully our 4x400m Relay makes it back to state, and I'll definitely be defending my 800 titles.
Texas MileSplit: If you had to pick a highlight moment of your high school career to date, what would that be?
Aaliyah Miller: My highlight moment would be winning the 5A 800m my sophomore year, I surprised myself with getting the gold and breaking the record!
Texas MileSplit: Baylor has a lot of great sprinters, including Trayvon Bromell who just went pro, as well as several other great sprinters (Wil London etc...) did seeing what Trayvon was able to do there effect your decision at all? If so how?
Aaliyah Miller: Yes, Trayvon came to Baylor with a lot of talent, but I saw how hard he and the coaching staff had worked to get even better.
Texas MileSplit: Can you give some bold predictions for your upcoming track season?
Aaliyah Miller: I'm gonna put my girls on the spot, and say that we need to be on the podium for the 4x400 relay!!
Fun Questions:
Texas MileSplit: Favorite pro athlete (any sport), and why?
Aaliyah Miller: Marshawn Lynch from the Seattle Seahawks because he has an obsession over Skittles just like me!
Texas MileSplit: Favorite pre and post race food?
Aaliyah Miller:
Pre Race- Peeled Apples
Post Race- Chipotle!!!
Texas MileSplit: The Quan or the Nae Nae?
Aaliyah Miller: Definitely hitting the Quan!!!
Texas MileSplit: If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be and why?
Aaliyah Miller: I would probably be a dolphin because they're fast swimmers!