Kate Mott ’16
Hometown: Fairfax Station, VA
Major: Biology and Environmental Science
What does rowing mean to you?: I often surprise myself by how often I define my life in terms of rowing. When driving, it’s easier for my mind to process the concept of a “starboard or port turn” rather than a right or left. No matter how tired I may be, the last thirty minutes of homework is never as grueling as the last 500 meters of a race. It’s through these simple translations that I know I will forever classify myself first as a rower, then as a human being. To any new rower the allure of made-to-order friends is honestly the major draw. Little do they know that within a month their lives will be forever consumed by the cult of oarsmen and their hands will never have the soft skin they once did. With all the time constraints and new personality traits, many people find that rowing changes their lives. This may be true, but I’ve never known someone to regret their newfound lifestyle. FWR has been such a help this entire season in that they have been compeletely supportive of all our needs and changes. The transition from high school rowing to W&M rowing has been made so much easier with the support of FWR!
Best Rowing Memory: This is my first year on the William and Mary Rowing Team, and it’s been such a great experience. The coaching staff, captains, and experienced rowers have made such a different in my season and I can’t thank them enough. I hope that in the future, we can all spend more time bonding as both a team, and with alums.