Getting To Know Zane Golpariani

Looking to end his track career on a high note, graduate transfer Zane Golpariani explains the importance that consistency, discipline and self-care hold in his life in the latest "Getting To Know" feature.

Q: Being a student-athlete is hard enough, but it has to be tougher when you're earning your PhD. What led you to pursuing your PhD in chemistry?

Z.G.: I started applying to PhD programs because I thought I could do it and I also had a year of eligibility left which helped. But I also applied to schools that didn't have any athletic programs because at the end of the day my career is still my main focus. If it was possible to pursue my PhD and still run, then that's what I wanted to do and everything ended up working out.

Q: What is it that you plan to do once you earn your PhD?

Z.G.: I still have a long time because it's a five-year program, but I definitely want to do something impactful and help move science forward. I'll most likely go into industry research regarding helping the environment. I'm still figuring out what exact research group I'm joining here, so we'll see.

Q: Have you noticed any stark differences between undergrad and grad school?

Z.G.: There's a really big difference. UC Santa Barbara isn't as big of an athletics school as some other schools. The big draw to the school is the fact that it's a super pretty area with all the beaches. Athletics aren't as emphasized compared to here. The resources at SC are unmatched. Having Little Galen and areas like that make me feel like I'm really being taken care of. I'd say the biggest difference is getting to use all of the athletic resources SC provides to make sure you can be the best athlete you can be.

Q: Is there something from this season that you'd like to take into the next?

Z.G.: I just want to stay consistent, keep track of all the little things, take everything day by day, and just make sure I'm taking care of myself and my body. Whether it's prioritizing recovery or extra strength training or even just getting out of my own head. I try not to think too much about a workout or balance too many things at once. I've never competed indoors before so this year is just one long season for me, so I'm just trying to prepare for that.

Q: Are you excited about your first indoor season?

Z.G.: The turns come quicker, positioning matters more and the wind is different because you're getting it from ventilation rather than natural wind from outside. But I'm excited, I think it'll be cool. We're going to be traveling to the East Coast and I've never been before so it'll be exciting to go to some new places.

Q: What's kept you going during the off-season to make sure you're still working as hard as you should be to get where you want to be?

Z.G.: I try to envision a really important race happening like the USC-UCLA Dual Meet. It's easier to slack off than to keep doing something every single day, but that one day you slack off can make the biggest difference. Overall I'd say making sure I stay disciplined with the end goal in mind.

Q: What've been some of the valuable lessons you've learned throughout your career?

Z.G.: Consistency pays off. You're going to have a lot of individual hardships with workouts and races and you don't really notice that much improvement throughout one season. But the next season you might notice a huge boost in your fitness and times. Even outside of track, consistency is key. Applying yourself day by day and a few months later you can reach new levels you've never thought of because of that consistent work you've put in.

Q: If you could give freshmen who are in their first year of competing in college and high school seniors who are going into their freshman year one piece of advice, what would you tell them?

Z.G.: I'd say be ready for a big change. Once you get to college everyone on your team was their own hometown hero which means everyone is just as good or better than you. You're going to be humbled and you don't just magically become the best. I'd tell them to just be ready to put in a lot of work and give yourself time to adjust and learn new things.

Q: Who's your biggest idol?

Z.G.: My old teammate from UCSB Nick Randazzo. I wouldn't call him my idol as much as my inspiration. He wasn't the fastest on the team or anything, but he just worked really hard and stayed super consistent and became a really good leader and improved his times. He improved his times so much that he became an individual qualifier for nationals when in high school he didn't even make states. He's someone who's really passionate about running and I don't think a lot of people have the same level of passion for the sport. He's been doing really well and he's hoping to qualify for the Olympic trials while also working towards going semi-pro or pro. I just really admire him because he's someone that's shown consistency really does pay off.

Players Mentioned

Zane Golpariani

Getting To Know Zane Golpariani

Trojans footer

University Southern California Trojans

Players Mentioned

Zane Golpariani

Getting To Know Zane Golpariani

Related Videos

Trojans footer