As a freshman, Emily Stinebaugh sought a sport she could commit to. Remembering a rowing camp from fifth grade, she joined the Long Lake Rowing Club. "It was really hard and tough on the body, but I fell in love with it." Four years later, she improved enough to earn a rowing scholarship to Notre Dame.

Q With rowing being so taxing, what made you stick with it?

A I've always had the philosophy to keep going and never quit. I had a coach tell me that if I stuck with it, I could pull my potential out and be a great rower.

Q Toughest part of being a rower?

A To realize you can't quit. It's helpful to be tall and muscular [Stinebaugh is 5-10], but really it's more important to be mentally strong.

Q What about rowing that you love?

A I love being out on the lake early in the morning, when it's completely still and the water is calm.

Q Prefer rowing on rivers or lakes?

A I prefer rivers. They're usually longer courses.

Q Do you have a specialty?

A I usually row singles, by myself. I'm better at the longer races, like 5,000 meters. They're usually about 20 minutes long.

Q Best rowing experience?

A Two years ago I was in the Head of the Charles [River] Regatta in Boston. There were so many people, it was insane. I rowed a single and got 7th.

Q One rowing misconception?

A People think it's like kayaking. They don't realize how difficult it is mentally.

Jim Paulsen