Getting To Know Alyssa Brewer

USC freshman middle distance runner Alyssa Brewer has had a strong start to her Trojan career, already making her mark in both cross country and indoor track. Brewer was one of USC's top runners in cross country and broke the USC freshman indoor 800m record (since broken by teammate Jemima Russell). Brewer now ranks fourth on USC's all-time indoor 800m list. She is a two-time California high school state champion in the 800m race and figures to be a big part of USC's distance program moving forward. We had a chance to catch up with and learn a little more about Brewer the other day.

Q: When and why did you decide to run track?
A.B.: I decided to run track in seventh grade after my brother's soccer teammate invited my brother and me to run on his club team. So, I just thought 'hey I was fast so I might as well just go out and try it'.

Q: What is your favorite event? Indoor & Outdoors
A.B.: The 800 by far.

Q: What factors led you to choose to attend USC?
A.B.: For one thing, the academics are really strong, having amazing teammates to push me, nice weather and the coaches. Specifically looking at Coach (Patrick) Henner's background it seemed like he had the right philosophy for what I was looking for. He had the right combination and balance between sprint work and distance in training as well as doing lifts in the weight room that was similar to the ones I did in high school. It seemed like everything he did had a purpose and it felt like it would be a good transition for me.

Q: How has your overall experience at USC been so far?
A.B.:It's been great, it's been a lot of fun.

Q: More specifically, how has your experience on the USC team been so far?
A.B.: I just know it's something that I am really lucky to be a part of and it's just really awesome during practice being able to run with other girls that can push you. It is just a very unique opportunity.

Q: How have your practices here at USC been different from those in high school?
A.B.: The part that has been similar is some of the philosophy to do some sprint work and lifts in the weight room but what has been different is that we have been incorporating a ton more distance work that I never received in high school. Doing that has been huge in my development.

Q: How did it feel to get a lifetime best time in your first 800-meter race as a Trojan at the Texas Tech Classic?
A.B.: That was incredible, that was crazy. It was a dream come true. I seriously could not believe it was real.

Q: You said your favorite movie is Lord of the Rings, which movie in the series is your absolute favorite and why?
A.B.: Probably the first one just because I enjoy watching that initial journey take place.

Q: What do you like to do outside of track?
A.B.: I like to go hiking, biking and spend time with friends. I haven't had the chance to hike any trails in L.A yet, but we do our long runs near Griffith Park and it seems like it could be a nice place to hike.

Players Mentioned

Alyssa Brewer

Jemima Russell