When women’s rowing was added as a varsity sport at Clemson in 1998, then Katie Konecko, then Katie Hunter, was one of the first members of that inaugural team. Previously Konecko had been a member of the Clemson’s club rowing team in 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Konecko graduated from Clemson with a degree in Graphic Communications. Konecko currently resides in Scituate, Mass where she is a business owner at K One Finance.
Q: What has kept you busy since you graduated?
A: My family, my business and exercising on my Peloton bike and app. Fingers crossed that the next Peloton product is a rower!
Q: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment since you graduated from Clemson?
A: Becoming a mom. Really nothing is as consistently challenging and rewarding as raising kids.
Q: How has Clemson Rowing helped you prepare for life after college?
A: My experience with my teammates and my coaches at Clemson gave me an everlasting sense of self-empowerment and determination. Because we were constantly tested and encouraged to set higher goals and achieve them, I learned I was capable of almost anything I set my mind to. I have relied on this knowledge many times since college – while giving birth to both of my kids, making big moves with my family, running a marathon and two half marathons, and starting new businesses.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at Clemson?
A: My favorite memory is related to a feeling instead of an event. Watching the sunrise over a flat Lake Hartwell during morning practices while feeling the rhythmic flow of being in unison with eight other amazing women was a spiritual experience. There’s nothing like it and I miss it every day.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to current or future athletes that you wished you had received during your time?
A: Make the most of your athletic abilities while you’re in the greatest physical shape your life. Use this time to focus on yourself and your athletic goals as it might be the last time you can. Don’t be afraid to set the bar higher. Your greatest coach is inside of you. Set big goals and bring it!
