Titi Fagade is in her fourth year at Fordham and has been one of the top runners the Rams have seen on the track. Primarily a middle-distance runner, Fagade has knocked down three school records on her own, and six as a member of a relay team. Four of those records have been earned indoors, most recently in Boston, where her time of 1:12.85 in the 500 meter run earned her second at the Terrier Invitational. The Fordham Ram caught up with Titi after her win in the 800 meter run at the Metropolitan Championship.
The Fordham Ram: As a decorated high school runner, what made you choose Fordham?
Titi Fagade: I am from a very small town in Massachusetts, so I really wanted to attend a university that was in the city. I also planned on competing in college and everything just worked out so that I was able to attend Fordham. I am very happy with my decision to go to school here.
TFR: As an athlete in an academically rigorous school like Fordham and in a city like New York, what has been your key to success in balancing your time and priorities?
TF: To be honest, I’ve noticed that the busier I am the more productive I am with my time and schoolwork. Everything just comes down to time management. When we are in pre-season in the fall, my schedule is less hectic because we are not traveling every weekend, so I have more time to get things done. This semester is a lot more crazy since I am going to school, interning, working, and competing on the weekends, so time management is everything!
TFR: What is your favorite aspect of being on the team?
TF: My favorite aspect of being on the team are my teammates. I couldn’t ask for better girls to practice with every day. They are an encouragement to me and they push me to be better athletically and personally. I also enjoy succeeding together with my teammates (on relays) and also seeing my teammates work hard and then having their hard work pay off. That is the best part of being on this team.
TFR: You’ve accumulated nine different school records in your indoor and outdoor career. Do you have any memories or particular races/meets that stand out in your mind?
TF: Our indoor 4x800m race at ECACs last year. We ran that relay in Boston, and our time kind of came out of nowhere. I don’t think anyone on that relay thought we could run that fast, so it was a great surprise and such an epic moment for me and the other three girls. My most memorable individual race is when I broke the indoor 500 meter record for the first time in 2012. Honestly, every race in 2012 was a big deal for me because I was injured for a good portion of freshman year with my ACL injury and I was recovering and just getting back in shape. Sophomore year I trained very hard so that I could improve, and so that turned into a big year for me because almost every race was an improvement. The indoor 500m record that year was a big deal because that was my first individual school record and I didn’t know I was capable of going that fast.
TFR: Who has been your biggest influence as you have risen higher and higher in track?
TF: My biggest influence is God — I rely on him completely when I am training and racing. As I continue to improve, I rely on God to give me the strength to get stronger and faster physically and also stronger mentally. In addition to God, my teammates and coaches are a huge influence. Track is very individual but, to truly make an impact, you need a strong team. My teammates and coaches help me to be a better athlete every day.
TFR: What are your plans after you graduate?
TF: After graduation, I hope to continue my education soon after. I am planning on getting my masters degree here at Fordham, and also use my indoor track eligibility. So I am crossing my fingers that this all won’t be over after next season!
