Jordan Theriot, Women's Fencing-Foil, Class of 2012

What is your major?
Chemistry

People will be surprised to know . . .
Before coming to Caltech, I had never left the south!

Describe your sport in 3 words?
Fast and furious

What goes through your head as you are at match point?
I try to think of how I could shake up my technique so my opponent is suddenly faced with a completely different fencer. I can't let myself get comfortable, I have to stay dynamic.

Favorite part about being a student-athlete at Caltech?
It's a new way to connect with your classmates, and to form friendships with people you might have never met otherwise.

Favorite book?
The Phantom Tollbooth

Favorite food?
Indian! Give me a dish of chicken tikka and a pile of steamy garlic naan.

If you could go to any sporting event what would it be?
I'd like to be back as a kid watching my big brother play his high school football games.

Best part about living in California?
Everything is here! Anything you want to see or do, you can find it in California.

If you could bring anything from your hometown what would it be?
Can I bring back all of Mardi Gras?

Nike or Adidas?
Adidas

Who is your favorite athlete at Caltech, any sport?
Yang Yang, Ricketts' resident basketball player. He first introduced me to athletics at Caltech.

What TV show do you have to watch each week?
The Simpsons, after dinner every night.

Where do you get your motivation from when things get tough?
I just think of how much effort my teammates and coaches are putting in, and that inspires me to step up my game, too.

Title of your autobiography?
Jordan The Riot

What have you learned about yourself through competing as a student-athlete?
It's important for me to step outside of my comfort zone. If I only stick to what I'm used to, I'll never grow, and I'll never learn anything new.