row2k Features
Interview
HS junior Carolyn Schneller
March 9, 2010
Erik Dresser, row2k.com

Schneller rowing the single

High school junior Carolyn Schneller has quickly found success in rowing, finishing second overall in the Junior Women's event at last month's C.R.A.S.H.-B.s. She was the fastest American in the event, representing Western Albemarle; a new program in Virginia. row2k sat down with Carolyn for a quick chat about how she got started in rowing and what her future plans in the sport are.

row2k - What is your athletic background and how did you get into rowing?
Carolyn Schneller - I have been playing basketball since third grade. Up until last year it was my primary sport. I played on the Varsity team in 8th grade while at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China, and I have been on the Varsity team at Western Albemarle High School for the last two years. Both this year and last I’ve been voted by coaches throughout the district to be on the All-District team. In the fall of my sophomore year, my mom read an article about Lindsay Shoop, a 2008 Olympic Medalist from our town. My mom thought I might enjoy rowing, so I looked into joining the high school team. The coaches and teammates welcomed me onto the team and the rest is history…

row2k - What do you like most about the sport?
Carolyn Schneller - My favorite aspect of rowing is the team aspect. A lot of sports say that their team is their best friends, but with rowing your team becomes your family. Not only do you have to think like them and move with them in the boat, but regattas are all-day affairs, so you get to spend quality time with your teammates. I also enjoy the fact that it is outside, and on the water. We get to practice on the Beaver Creek Reservoir in Crozet, Virginia. It is one of the prettiest places you’ve ever seen! One day at practice we were rowing in our 8 and we saw these little brown things bobbing along the water… We got closer and it’s a small herd of deer swimming from bank to bank!

row2k - Your high school team, Western Albemarle is a somewhat new program. Can you tell us a little bit about the team?
Carolyn Schneller - As a relatively young team, we are able to fill a Girls Varsity 8, a Boys Varsity 8 and occasionally a Varsity 4 (girls/boys depending on the season). There is also a pretty active sculling program for both kids as well as parents. We constantly have new rowers joining our team, but our Girls V8 is pretty consistent. We have a great coaching staff, led by our head coach Myriam Pitts. We have five or six coaches that alternate, so we (as rowers) get a really good variety of tips, and guidance regarding our rowing technique. We were actually just able to build our boathouse and dock last spring, so we’ve been putting those to good use.

row2k - What are your goals for yourself and your team for the upcoming spring season?
Carolyn Schneller - Our team goals are always the same: row the best we can and hopefully that will lead to first place. To reach our goals, we practice on ergs, water, and go to a couple different camps during the summer. Personally, I am looking to improve my form and overall conditioning. I have been able to develop a good power, but I would like to focus on contributing as much as I can to the boat.

row2k - You were the fastest American in the Junior Women event at C.R.A.S.H.-B.s, how did that race go for you?
Carolyn Schneller - That race was… interesting. In the beginning I had mixed emotions – I was incredibly nervous but we had also been practicing towards a 7:06 or lower. When the race started, I felt pretty confidant for the first 300 - 500 meters, but of course, those are always the easiest. As I got near 1000m, we (myself and my dad, as my coxswain) started pushing a little too hard, which turned out to be too early. This translated into a killer 500 meter final sprint. I could see third place (Richardson) quickly coming up behind me. It was all I could do to stay ahead of her for the finish. When I finished I was completely spent, and I could barely get off the erg. As this was also only my third competition, I learned a lot about timing and strategy; however, I know I have a lot more to learn.

row2k - Are you hoping to row in college? What are you looking for in a potential collegiate program both athletically and academically?
Carolyn Schneller - I am definitely looking to row in college. I have visited a couple of programs, and I usually look for a couple different things. First, and most importantly, I have to click with the coach, especially since I will spend so much time with them. I have to like their energy and their coaching technique. It is also a plus if the boathouse and location is nice and rowing has a strong presence at the school. I’m looking for a school where the team as a whole is successful, preferably a team that consistently goes to the National Championship. Academically, I want a school that will challenge me, while I can still enjoy rowing and develop lasting friendships.

row2k - What strengths can you bring to college rowing and what do you think you need to improve on most before heading enrolling?
Carolyn Schneller - I think my primary strength at this point is my power. I hope that over the next two seasons with my high school team I can further develop my technique. In addition, I know I have a lot of work to do in order to get my overall conditioning and strength to the collegiate level. I think that my indoor rowing training this winter, in addition to basketball workouts gave me a sense of what will be required in college. While tough, the benefits I saw were worth the effort.

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Comments

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siouxkim
03/11/2010  11:52:13 PM
You've only been doing this a couple seasons? Great work! Don't forget to take a look at the west coast schools (especially in Northern CA...). Have a great year. Yes, all the best. SKV


slimman57
03/10/2010  3:44:39 PM
Congratulations Carolyn, sounds like you're the real deal! If you haven't made your college selection yet. May I suggest taking a good look at University of Michigan! My daughter Ashley rows there and has had the absolute time of her life. They have a very serious program, are committed to winning and the athletes have a lot of fun. Just a thought. Good luck to you in whatever decision you make, and I'm sure your family is very proud of you. All the best, Jeff



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