TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I started in grade nine back at home (Niagara Falls, Ontario). I was actually trying out for the women’s volleyball team at my high school and my good friend was trying out for the rowing team and she wanted someone to try out with. So she asked me to try out with her and I did. I didn’t know much about it but I thought it would be fun. So I started then and I’ve loved it ever since.

2. What are the differences in the positions in a varsity eight boat and what is your position within the boat?

The lineup goes from bow to stern, one through eight on a varsity eight boat. The stroke is eighth seat; she basically sets the rhythm for the boat. The person behind her is basically the stroke for the other side. Those two, the stern pair, are really focused on setting the rhythm for the race. Then the four in the middle are the powerhouse for the boat, they usually provide most of the strength. Then the two in the bow are trying to keep the bow out of the water through the race. I sit in the four seat.

3. You have a younger cousin, Lindsay, on the team. What is that like?

It’s actually really fun. I rowed with her in grade 11 in high school and it’s nice because I feel like she can look up to me and I can be a role model. I know that she can come to me with anything if she ever needs any help.

4. This weekend the team is headed to the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the United States. What is the expectation or excitement level going into such a large event?

We’re very excited because we did well last weekend at the Metro Cup and we feel that this weekend we have a really good chance. I know for the Varsity Eight race we get to race against the teams we raced in California (earlier in the season) so it’s a chance to get revenge. We are really excited and we are going out to win.

5. Your team has been very successful this year, winning the Harvey Cup, finishing second at the Knecht Cup and at the Metro Cup. Why do you think your team is having such a successful season?

I think that our whole attitude on the team has changed. I know that winter training was really tough this year and we just pushed through it together. I really felt like we worked through it as a team and we weren’t rowing as individuals, so I think that we have really come together and we just have a new attitude this year.

6. Unlike other teams, the rowing team might only get one home event each year. How special does that make home events since you get so few of them?

It’s really special. We try to get as many people out as we can because last year we didn’t even have a home race. A lot of people don’t understand rowing, so if we can get them to come out and see it they will appreciate it more. So we really try to make a big deal out of our home event and this year we had a pretty good turnout.

7. Do you have a pre-race routine and if so, what is it?

As a crew we usually go for a run, stretch and do our usual warm up to the starting gate. Then I kind of have a phobia about anything being loose during the race so I usually tighten everything down really tight before the race.

8. If you could play any other sport at UB, what would it be and why?

I think I would have to play basketball. I played basketball in high school for two years. I’m not that great at it but it was really fun and exciting, so I would say basketball.

9. What has been your favorite moment so far as a student-athlete at UB?

I definitely have a lot of favorite moments, I can’t pinpoint just one but I would say that this spring season has been a lot of fun. We worked really, really hard during winter training and it is showing with our results. I feel like our whole program has stepped up to another level this year and I am really happy and proud to be a part of it.

10. What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to go shopping, hang out with my friends, go to the movies and I go home a lot to see my family.