Written by Jefferson Reese '15

SANTA CLARA, Calif.- Sophomore Kelby Nardoni spoke with SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCB) about her new role on the women's rowing team and her goals for this season.

SCB: How long have you been rowing?

KN: I started rowing between my sophomore and junior year of high school for Marina Aquatic Center (MAC).

SCB: How has your role changed from freshman year to sophomore year?

KN: I am now in a leadership position on my team as a sophomore along with three other girls.  I have recently been rowing in stroke seat and it is a challenge because it takes extreme consistency.  My job has completely changed in the boat.  It's comparable to changing positions in any other sport.

SCB: What motivates you in practice and during races?

KN: I prefer to row angry.  I need to get fired up to row my hardest- however with that much aggression it is hard to maintain technique therefore it is essential to maintain some sort of clam at the same time.  My coxswain knows how to fire me up; she will call me out in the middle of a piece "Kelby! Now fight for it every inch, let's go!" If I can see that there is a boat next to us and they are close, I want to make and pass them.  I like to chase, or as my junior team would say "lets go hunting."

SCB: How have you been preparing for this season?

KN: We are currently in the 35th week in our training cycle, meaning we have been on the grind all summer.  This includes lots and lots of cardio as well as lifting. [Coach] John [Wojtkiewicz] has us target specific heart rates depending where we are in our training cycle.  I have also made some dietary changes that have helped support my immune system. 

SCB: What are your personal goals and the team goals this season?

KN: Beating St. Mary's would be a huge team goal.  Personally, I would love to PR (personal record) on my 2k by about 15 seconds throughout the span of the season. Tomorrow morning I am trying to hack off six seconds so we shall see what happens.