While September marks the start of a new school year for most college students, junior Kathrine "Moose" Warren looks toward this month as a defining moment in her athletic career. This September, Moose will represent the USA in the Triathlon World Championship Series in Budapest, Hungary.

Racing the Olympic distance, Moose will endure a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and a 10 km run. As one of two females selected to represent team USA in the U23 age group, she aims to not only finish the race, but to be a competitive participant.

"I want to go there and represent the US as best as possible," she said. " The US does not have the best reputation in the triathlon world. We're the underdogs, and I want to show them that we can compete."

As an athlete on the UCSB Triathlon team, Moose has utilized her past years at UCSB to develop her growth and passion.

"I always say I've been swimming since conception," Moose said. "My old swim coach urged me to try a triathlon, and after my first one, I was hooked. It was a huge part of coming to Santa Barbara for school. After meeting coach Mateo and the team, I knew I was home. I wanted to run for UCSB."

Moose continues to train intensely with coach Mateo Mercur and the rest of the UCSB triathletes. Although practices have been physically demanding, Moose believes the support she has empowers her strength and athletic ability.

"I usually have 14 practices a week," Moose said. "They've been really intense with four hour bike rides and two hour runs. With a full time coach, I get immediate feedback and know what areas I need to work on. I'm lucky enough that I live in a house of triathletes. When I wake up, there is always someone there to go on a run with. The support they give me is incredible, and without it, there is no way I'd be where I am now."

Moose will race on September 12, 2010 and hopes to encourage people in this sport and see it grow.

"I've grown up with always having with something in me that I want to do my best," she said. "I don't ever want to stop until I reach my full potential. I have so much to contribute to this sport and I'm not even close to done."

Gauchosplay will be following Moose during her run at World's. We wish her the best of luck and know that she will do UCSB proud!