Rowing is a physically grueling sport that heavily relies on teammates moving in sync in order to produce speed. The Hamilton
women’s rowing team has excelled at the sport’s demands. Last spring, they impressively placed second at the National Division III Championships. With the team’s first competition at hand this weekend,
The Spectator
asked Kara Mathes ’22 some questions about the team’s goals for this year and upcoming competitions.
Last spring, your team placed second in the nation at the DIII Championships. How does that success motivate you for this year?
We are really excited and ready to work hard and do whatever we can to make our boats go as fast as possible this year! We know that we can accomplish big things and are excited to see what else we can do.
With lots of new faces joining the team, how has the team atmosphere been throughout your fall practices?
Every year, we have a lot of new faces on the team, so this is nothing new. Everyone has been eager to work hard on the water this year, especially because most of us did not have a fall season last year. The team has been very high energy and we have fun while working hard together.
Looking forward to your first competition this weekend. What are your expectations and goals for the Founders Cup Race?
We are really excited for our first fall race! This race is different from most other fall races, being 4 x 1000 meters. Our goal is to make the boats go as fast as they can for 4000 meters and see what we can do.
With the ultimate goal of another national title run in the spring, what can you and your teammates learn from this shorter fall season to carry throughout the year?
Our team is not very outcome based, so while a national title would be great, we are focused on working as hard as we can and improving every time we get on the water. We are using this fall season to get the ball rolling and we will ride that momentum and excitement into the spring and see what we can accomplish, but the ultimate goal is to make the boats go as fast as they can every time we race.
Lightning Round
Any team road trip traditions?
Panera sandwiches on the bus!
Favorite pregame meal/snack?
Mint chocolate clip bar, an orange, and Motts fruit snacks
Best show/movie you’ve watched recently?
Squid Game
Teammate with a secret talent?
Aisling Mockler ’24 does a great Shakira impression
