1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it?
When I was a freshman in high school, I wasn’t sure what sport to play in the spring. I really wanted to play lacrosse because that’s what all of my friends were going to play, but my parents inspired me to go to my first rowing practice. They convinced me that my hand-eye coordination wasn’t actually that great, and that I might be good at rowing because I was tall and was a swimmer. I reluctantly showed up to the boathouse for the first practice that spring, and immediately fell in love with the sport. I loved that it was so different from anything else I had ever tried. I remember the first time they put me in an 8+, I was so terrified that we were going to flip that I was leaning way out of the boat and holding onto the rigger the entire time.
2. Was there a practice, race or other event when you fell in love with the sport, or when you knew you might not be too bad at rowing? When you thought you could make the national team?
I didn’t really set my eye on the national team until my junior or senior year in college. It took me until then to gain enough confidence to believe that maybe I could give it a go. One race that I think was a turning point for me was my race against Yale and UVA my senior year (2010). UVA was ranked first in the country at that point and we were able to beat both teams. Even though it was only an in-season race, it meant a lot to me because it was the only time I ever beat both of those boats (including the only time I’ve ever beaten my now teammate Taylor Ritzel who was stroking the Yale 8)! Both of those amazing boats went on to beat us in the post-season, but it was a small, important victory that made me want to keep rowing.
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice?
It sounds cheesy, but I like to think my best race is still ahead of me (hopefully waiting for me at the Olympic final). I think it’s always important to try and make your next race better than your last and learn from every chance you get at the line. I would say my most dramatic race was probably the Olympic trial though, because it’s always exciting to come from behind.
Worst race, I would have to say was Head of the Charles 2009. We didn’t perform poorly, but it was the most uncomfortable, brutal conditions I’ve ever rowed in – anyone who was in a Sunday final that year should know what I’m talking about. It started snowing during our warm-up and then there was a delay before our race due to breakage. We sat in the basin for about 20 minutes, essentially losing all the benefits of our warm-up, before we were finally called to the line. I remember being completely soaked and numb, and not being able to feel any part of my arms or hands for the entire race, just hoping that I was feathering. I finally gave in and bought pogies after that race.
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about?
I can squat more than Susan Francia.
5. Any/Most important advice for young rowers?
When someone tells you that you can’t do something, prove them wrong.
Birthplace: Boston, Mass.
Hometown: West Simsbury, Conn.
Current Residence: Princeton, N.J.
Club Affiliation: USRowing Training Center – Princeton
Began Rowing: 2003 - Simsbury High School
Date of Birth: 4/27/88
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 160
High School: Simsbury High School
Undergraduate Education: Princeton University, 2010
Occupation: Events and National Team Intern
Employer: USRowing
Current Coaches: Tom Terhaar, Laurel Korholz, Annie Kakela
Years on National Team: Three – 2010, Under 23; 2011-12, Senior
International Results: Won gold in the four at the 2011 World Rowing Championships...Won gold in the four at the 2010 World Rowing Under 23 Championships...Won the eight and four at the 2005 CanAmMex Regatta.
National Results: Won the pair at the 2012 Olympic Trials - Rowing...Placed sixth in the pair at the 2012 National Selection Regatta #2...Placed fourth in the pair at the 2011 USRowing Fall Speed Order...Won the four at the 2011 Senior World Championship Trials...Won the women's double at the 2011 USRowing National Championships...Finished third in the varsity eight at the 2010 NCAA Championships…Finished second in the varsity eight at the 2010 Eastern Sprints…Won the open eight at the 2005 USRowing National Championships…Won the open eight at the 2004 USRowing National Championships.
Personal: Sara was named a DI First-Team All-American in 2009 and 2010 and was named DI First-Team All-Region from 2008-10…She enjoys following professional tennis…Sara lists Princeton coach Lori Dauphiny as the most influential person in her sporting career...Sara’s favorite television shows are 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, and Sons of Anarchy…She played competitive soccer and swimming through high school before she began rowing full time in college…Sara has three younger siblings and a black lab named Jett…She has a lucky pair of green socks that she wears for any important race or erg test.
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07/09/2012 8:37:08 AM