By Mitch Gilbert |
How do you feel about the newest addition to the team, head coach Pasha Spencer?
I think it is good for our team to have a fresh start. All three of our coaches are new this year and it has been a fairly easy transition getting to know each other and translating that onto the water.
Throughout the last three years of rowing has waking up at six every morning and having a rigorous workout routine become easier for you?
Yeah, I would say it has become much easier as time has gone on. Rowing is a huge commitment and if you are going to be on the team, or any team for that matter, you are going to have to work hard.
What does representing the University of Portland mean to you?
Rowing for the University really means a lot to me. I am very proud to be representing the students on this campus and the city of Portland as a whole. I think we live in a beautiful place and I feel blessed that I get to row down the Willamette through downtown every day during practice.
What are some things that you do outside of rowing?
Outside of rowing I spend most of my time either at school or at work. I spend 20 hours a week working and most of my time outside of that is spent either at practice or studying.
What have been some of the highlights of your rowing career at the University?
I think one of the greatest highlights has been rowing for the University in the WCC championship and placing third this last year. I am in the three seat, which means I am third from the front, and it has been an honor rowing with the team.
What is your pre-race warm up?
I just kind of zone out and listen to music. Usually before the race I don’t talk very much and just focus upon the task in front of me, try to motivate myself to perform to the best of my abilities during the race. On of the tougher things about that strategy though is transferring that energy into a team. I cannot only be focused upon myself during a race, I have to be focused on the girls around me as well.
What is something unique about yourself?
I have never had a pet. It isn’t because I dislike animals. I actually love animals. If anyone has an animal that needs a home and they see me around campus, don’t hesitate to approach me. I would love to meet him/her.
