Baptiste will be a key player in LSU's run for the national title (Kirby Lee)

1. What does it mean to be an LSU Tiger?

It definitely means a lot. With alumni like Muna Lee, Dawn Sowell, Stephanie Durst and Lolo Jones setting the platform of success, it definitely means a lot to be a part of that tradition.

2. You made history by winning your 60-meter dash race with male counterpart Richard Thompson. Can you describe what you felt putting more notice to your school, which is winning many accolades in this 2007-2008 athletics season?

It was amazing actually. At the end of the day, we both wanted to do it for our self but to also carry on the tradition of our school; LSU has a rich tradition in the sprints.

3. You had your first-ever NCAA Indoor Championship title in the women’s 60-meter dash. What advantage did you feel you had going into that competition finals?

I felt as though I had the advantage of consistently running faster than anyone during the regular indoor season. And also, being a senior, to me, because it is the last year gave me more motivation to step it up.

4. You came within nine points of taking the NCAA Indoor Championships title, what leadership have you personally influenced on your teammates to get them to think big?

Definitely, I would say my work ethic. In most cases hard work pays off. when they see the results that I get from training diligently, it really motivates them to work hard to get the same or even better results

5. You, Brooklynn Morris, Samantha Henry, and Juaniata Broadus ran a phenomenal time at the SEC Championships.

Coming close to the collegiate and LSU 400-meter relay records (collegiate record held by LSU at 42.55) has developed a lot confidence. We are just running with a lot of confidence right now.

6. When you looked out, after the indoor campaign, to the outdoor season, what did you want to accomplish? And, what is remaining on your list of to-dos?

Definitely a conference outdoor team and individual championship title. What’s remaining is doing the same thing for the NCAA meet in Iowa and also having a great post-collegiate season.

7. After just being an integral part of the LSU Tiger’s claim to the women’s SEC Outdoor Championship title, what do you feel puts your team above others in the nation?

We have great depth in the sprints, but we also have great talents in the middle distance group, the 400 hurdles, and the field events that can bring vital points. But, most important, we believe in one another.

8. Is Kelly-Ann Baptiste the track and field athlete different from Kelly-Ann Baptiste off-the-track?

I’m somewhat the same. Laid-back, quiet sometimes.

9. You came close to winning the half-lap sprint against Natalie Knight of Florida, by .03 seconds, in fact. Do tight races like that one motivate you to push harder for the next sprint?

Yes, it does. I enter a race to be the best. When that’s not accomplished, I go back to practice and find a way to get it done.

10. What has been the critical ingredient in your success as a sprinter?

Patience. Patience in way I execute my race but most importantly having the faith that all the work that I put in is definitely going to pay off one day.

11. Is Kelly-Ann Baptiste finished with track and field after the NCAA Outdoor Championships? What else is in store?

The NCAA championships is just one step closer to the ultimate goal I have for my season, which is to represent my country at an elite level at the Olympic Games this summer.

12. You were injured for a good part of last season. In 2006, you placed second (11.08) at the SEC Outdoor Championships to Jamaican Kerron Stewart, now a world-leading sprinter. What convinced you to keep running at the LSU program rather than taking to a professional career?

I felt as though I wasn’t ready for that chapter of my life and that I had a lot more development to do under this program as a collegiate athlete, which would then enable me to be better prepared by the end of my eligibility.

13. As 2008 NCAA indoor champion in the 60-meter dash, what did you learn that has carried over to the 100- and 200-meter dashes?

Definitely I would say my start. I’ve always had trouble with the first part of my races, which until before this indoors limited me from really producing great times. Coach Shaver worked with me indoors and I really got focused and got my start together which ultimately led me to do well indoors.

14. Share a regular training week. And, how do you mentally train for each event?

Monday's and Thursday's are the most challenging while on the other days we really don’t do much. For both events I think that I approach them the same in that I try to do everything on the track like its race rehearsal. I try to go through some parts of my workout like block starts in the same way I would at a track meet, so eventually everything becomes second-nature.

15. Who has helped you along the way toward where you are now? Any inspiring thoughts for others trying to succeed as sprinters at any level?

My high school coach, my parents and family members, the LSU coaching staff along with the doctors and friends and teammates have all helped me in one way or the other. And I would say believing in yourself even when no one else believes in you is the most integral part in becoming the best athlete and sprinter you can ever be.

16. How do you maintain an optimal level of confidence, but stay humble with the awards, pressure and rich tradition of the LSU sprinting program?

Just knowing that tomorrow’s victories aren’t always promised, due to life itself, keeps me at the right balance.