Beyond The Game – Davidson

Note: The following appears in the June 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 were you born?A. I was born at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

Q. How long have you been a rower?A. I started rowing my senior year of high school, so I’ve been rowing for four years now.

Q. What made you want to get into rowing?A. I found rowing through CrossFit. I competed in a CrossFit competition my senior year of high school. Fortunately for me, there was an erg event at the competition. This was the first time I’d ever used a rowing machine, but when I hopped onto the erg and competed against all the other girls in the competition, it was apparent that I was semi-naturally good at erging (using the rowing machine). Thankfully, due to my natural ability, I took first in that event. After the competition, my CrossFit coach suggested that I look into the sport of rowing. That’s where it all began and now I’m about to begin my senior year as a Division I varsity rower.

Q. Prior to coming to Clemson, did you play any other sports/physical activities in high school?A. I’ve been involved in physical activities my entire life. I began my life as a dancer (ballet, tap, jazz, clogging). Before I discovered rowing, I actually wanted to try out to be a Rally Cat here at Clemson. Along with dancing, I was also a competitive cheerleader for three years in high school. I played tennis for one year and eventually began rowing my senior year.

Q. What are some of your favorite things to do in Clemson?A. I love to go eat all-you-can-eat sushi with my roommate on Monday nights. Saturdays in the fall are my favorite, because that’s gameday! I always find all of my friends and make the best out of any situation or event we can find here in Clemson.

Q. What is your major?A. I am currently pursuing my bachelor of science degree in psychology, and I’m also double minoring in political science and sociology. I love people, and therefore I’m willing to do whatever it takes to learn how and why people function the way they do.

Q. What are your career plans after Clemson?A. I want to attend law school and then join the Navy JAG corps.

Q. What are some of your favorite things about Clemson?A. Due to rowing practice at the crack of dawn every day, I’ve had the chance to witness a beautiful sunrise over the lake and campus every morning. But this is something I’ll never forget…I love how all the friends I’ve made here at Clemson have become family. Not only have I gained many friends, but I’ve also made so many connections with important people that will help me achieve a lot of my goals in the future.

Q. What do your parents do for a living?A. My parents own a water well drilling business that specializes in drilling wells into the ground that produce drinking and/or irrigation water.

Q. Do you have any siblings?A. I have an older brother who is 27 years old. He is a journeyman lineman in operations for Blue Ridge Electric Co-op.

Q. Who are some of your favorite artists/bands/groups to listen to?A. Drake has been my favorite rapper for so many years…he’s still at the top of the list along with Beyoncé, The Weeknd and Future. A few of my favorite country artists are Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Eric Church.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants/places to eat?A. This is a hard one. In Clemson, SunnySide Café is my favorite brunch spot. There is a tie between two of my favorite restaurants. One is called Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse, which is located in Columbia, S.C. The second restaurant is Mellow Mushroom. You can’t beat a good pizza.

Q. Who are your favorite influential figures?A. God is my number-one role model. He is the reason I’ve come so far today. In athletics, I would have to say that Brooke Wells is one of the female athletes I admire a lot. Brooke began her career as a high school track member. But through hard work and determination, Brooke has worked her way up to the top of the CrossFit world. I believe that anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to with a lot of hard work, and Brooke is a prime example of this motto.