Beyond the Game – Amelia Shein

Note: The following appears in the May issue of Orange: The Experience. For full access to all of the publication’s content, join IPTAY today by calling 864-656-2115.

Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I grew up in Massachusetts. I was born in Connecticut, but we moved to Massachusetts when I was two and have been there ever since.

Q. What pets did you have while you were growing up?
A. I actually didn’t have any pets, but I wish I had. Both my parents were allergic to cats and dogs, sadly.

Q. What sports did you play sports in high school?
A. I was on my high school rowing team, but growing up, I always played a variety of other sports.

Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. I have a brother. He is two years younger and is attending Maryland.

Q. How did you first get involved with rowing?
A. I first got involved the summer after my freshman year. I have a friend on the team who convinced me to join because soccer wasn’t working out great for me.

Q. What compelled you to choose to attend Clemson?
A. Part of the reason I chose Clemson was because of the distance. I was excited to be away from home and experience a new part of America.

Q. Who do you consider to be your biggest inspiration?
A. My teammates are my biggest inspiration. They are all some of the best and strongest people I know. It’s so encouraging to be able to see what everyone has the ability to do and how they can push themselves and each other.

Q. Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become?
A. One of my professors, Jonathan Field. He has played a really important role in my life as a role model and is a person who I can look up to.

Q. What is your major and minor?
A. My major is English, mainly because I’m not a math person. My minor is athletic leadership, which goes well with my sports experience.

Q. What have been your favorite highlights/achievements with rowing at Clemson?
A. My best racing moment was at ACCs last year. We were up against Miami for a spot in the grand final and we were behind the whole race, but in the last 200 meters, we executed the best sprint and ended up getting them. It’s something I’ll always remember.

Q. Do you have any raceday rituals?
A. I always eat oatmeal on race mornings, mainly because of a saying we like to say, “oats move boats.”

Q. What is the best thing about Clemson?
A. The people I’ve met here. Not only my teammates, but the English department in general. They are all so wonderful.

Q. What is it like to be a student-athlete?
A. It is a lot of commitment and it takes almost all of your time and energy. Despite that though, it is completely worth it and worth the awards and benefits you get out of it.

Q. What life lessons have you taken away from your rowing experience at Clemson?
A. Mental toughness and resilience and the importance of forming personal bonds with teammates and the people you work closely with.

Q. Where is the most memorable place you have ever been?
A. It has been really cool to get to travel through rowing and to see where it can take you. For example, I’ve been to some really interesting places, like California and Canada.

Q. When you aren’t involved with sports or school, what do you do in your free time?
A. When I have time, I like to cook, read and go hiking. My favorite thing to cook is any type of vegetable. I love them all.

Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. After graduation, I hope to continue rowing and hopefully make the national rowing team. The world championships are in Poland this summer, and it’d be a great opportunity to get to travel and grow as an individual if I make the team.