Senior Athlete Spotlight: Mila F

1. When did you start rowing, and why?
I started rowing the summer before junior year. I was hoping to get into the United States Air Force Academy, and I knew that I needed a great team sport on my resume and some physical conditioning in order to be a better candidate. My brother had already been rowing for two years, so I knew from his experience that rowing is both physically and mentally challenging. I decided to try it out, and I loved it so much that I stayed on as a team captain the next year.

2. What has been your most memorable experience on the team?
One of my favorite memories happened towards the beginning of my rowing experience; I rowed in a novice quad with girls from two other crews. Although we met and rowed together for the first time on the way to the start line, we found our swing pretty easily. Although we spent the race in heavy rain, getting soaked to our bones (and I’m a Washingtonian), we were extremely proud of our performance and bronze medal. This experience not only helped me feel part of the rowing community, but also encouraged me to continue sharing boat lineups with other crews later on (Where we got first in a varsity quad!).

3. What are your plans this fall?
I will be going to the United States Air Force Academy where I plan to major in Biology with a Human Factors and Performance concentration.  One of my essays in my Air Force Academy application was about my experience as a novice coxswain in the American Lake Fall Classic.

4. What advice would you give to a new athlete in rowing?
Often when you’re just starting to learn a new sport it can be overwhelming, and rowing is no exception. It's a hard sport–but it's hard for every rower, experienced or not. Embrace the challenge! Each day you will learn something new, so approach rowing with the positive mindset of achieving growth. Don't be afraid of failure!