Written by Alyssa Morales '17
AB: I began seriously rowing this year at Santa Clara, but was somewhat familiar with the sport as I tried out some summer rowing camps at the Pocock Rowing Center in Seattle. I decided to pursue rowing here at SCU because I wanted to continue an athletic lifestyle, love the camaraderie of sports teams, and the Crew program really interested me. Being able to try out as a walk on for a Division I team is a tremendous opportunity that I wanted to take advantage of.
SCB: What is your favorite part about crew and being on the team here at SCU?
AB: My favorite part of course is my teammates. Never have I met a group of individuals more determined, poised, and strong. Being a student-athlete demands hard work and responsibility, and we commit the majority of our time to rowing with the daily 5am practices as well as evening weights and cardio workouts. No matter what adversity comes our way, we commit and push through for each other.
SCB: What is your best memory from your time here at Santa Clara?
AB: Going to the Gonzaga basketball game was awesome because of the energy and excitement from all the students. The guys played with tenacity and heart and definitely gave the Zags a run for their money.
SCB: Do you have any role models on the team or on teams elsewhere?
AB: Our juniors, Molly Walker, Katie Bond, and Laura Thompson all lead the team in different ways and I've always admired them for that. They've been key to building the program here and I am excited to see what work we can do for their senior year.
SCB: As this season wraps up, what are you goals for next season?
AB: My goals would be to break my 2k and watts test records and continue gaining experience and technique in the boat. As a team, our goals are to continue improving our times and win more regattas.
SCB: How has your transition been moving from Seattle to come to school here?
AB: My transition has been an awesome one! I was born and raised Seattle, but for a majority of high school I went to a small boarding school in Virginia. I fell in love with the California sun and after spending some time on the East Coast, I have to say West Coast is the best coast. I definitely miss Seattle because there is certainly no place like home, but it's hard to beat Claradise.
SCB: Do you have any plans for summer?
AB: I'll be staying at SCU for the summer as a Community Assistant (CA) in the dorms, which is essentially a CF, but just for those on-campus for the summer. I'll be taking classes and hope to take some time to go back home as well as travel to see some friends. But most importantly, I'll also be in summer training for the year to come.
