This week in our Meet the MileSplit LA Content Team feature, we shine the light on the "MileSplit Mom" from Baton Rouge- Mandi Monistere.
MileSplit LA: Tell us about your family?
Mandi: I am a MRI technologist and my husband Jacob also works in the medical field. We have 2 children. Aiden Monistere is 16 and Brynlie Monistere is 13. They both run for Parkview Baptist. We have always been an active family. Jacob and I have both done Triathlons and road races. Both kids started swimming when they were 5 and competing in triathlons when they were 6. They have always done endurance sports so XC and distance in track has always been a good fit for them! Brynlie also plays basketball.
MileSplit LA: How did you begin working with the MileSplit LA Content Team?
Mandi: During Aiden's freshman season of XC some of the North Louisiana teams came down to BR to run the Episcopal Round table run and there was some coverage on Milesplit LA. There was a little coverage the rest of the season but it seemed to be mostly for North LA. I found myself wishing and hoping that they coverage would grow and there would be some for South Louisiana. During his track season there was a Facebook post looking for people to provide content. I reached out and said I could video at meets because I had already been videoing my kids events. I videoed every meet the rest of the season and then when State was coming up I was asked if I could do interviews! I probably did 75 interviews over the 3 days!
MileSplit LA: What do you love the most about XC/Track & Field?
Mandi: I love seeing the perseverance and camaraderie between athletes! I don't always think that track/XC athletes get the respect they deserve. These athletes have no time outs and no substitutions once the gun goes off. They have to push themselves and dig deeper than anyone could imagine to finish some of these races! I also love to see teammates and competitors come together before and after races. They all want to win but they all respect the other athletes because they know what it takes!
MileSplit LA: Who is the most impressive athlete you have seen while covering XC/T&F for MileSplit LA?
Mandi: Rhen Langley's Indoor Season was so special to witness! It was electric inside Carl Maddox this season! Jesuit's XC perfect score at state was awesome too! Tioga's 4x400 finish at state was so fun to watch!
MileSplit LA: What is the most gratifying thing about working for the MileSplit LA Team?
Mandi: I love being able to give these Louisiana athletes the coverage they deserve! It's also given me the access to see my children achieve pretty awesome goals from a place that I wouldn't have access to otherwise!
MileSplit LA: Even the media has to overcome some obstacles, is there a meet you remember where you had to overcome some obstacles?
Mandi: Biggest obstacle this year was getting the livestream up and running at new locations. It's not hard to set up but there are a lot of factors at play and before you know what all the works there can be a lot of troubleshooting. State this year was crazy because I produced the live stream for 3 days and it's a lot to set up on top of the press box at Bernie Moore. I climbed that ladder more times than I can count and had to set up and break down each day and then multiple times on Saturday for weather delays.
MileSplit LA: Have you been involved with XC/T&F as an athlete or coach...or parent? Describe your experience in that role?
Mandi: Aiden has been running for PBS since 4th grade and Brynlie since 3rd. I am totally that mom running all over Highland Road park videoing and cheering for all the kids I know!
MileSplit LA: As the MileSplit LA Content Team gets ready for another school year of coverage, what are you looking forward to the most?
Mandi: I hope we can provide even more coverage and content! I'm also hoping we may be able to add some younger members or students to our content team that can help us with all the new technology and editing! I'm also excited to get to work with my son again this year as he joined me at the end of the season!
MileSplit LA: Who are some people behind the scenes who help you do what you do for MileSplit LA?
Mandi: Obviously, my family has been a huge help. Aiden has helped me video meets and they help me with all of my equipment and set up! The athletes and coaches have been so supportive of me this past year. I have zero experience in videography and interviewing but they were all so awesome and worked with me so well!
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This week in our Meet the MileSplit LA Content Team feature, we shine the light on the "MileSplit Mom" from Baton Rouge- Mandi Monistere.
MileSplit LA: Tell us about your family?