May 19, 2007
UCFAthletics.com continues introducing Knights' fans to the members of the UCF varsity eight that earned the program's first ever bid to the NCAA Championships with senior Stephanie Pauls. Majoring in French, Pauls hails from St. Catharines, Ontario. Her younger sisters Caitlin and Jordynn also row for the Knights.
When did you begin rowing? What attracted you to the sport? I started learning from my grandfather when I was about nine-years-old. I was brought up around the sport. My whole family rows, so it seemed natural to give it a try.
Why did you decide to attend UCF?
I spend my first three years rowing at Eastern Michigan. For my last year, I wanted something with more competition. I called up my sister, Caitlin, and asked her to talk to Coach Crain for me and here I am.
What is your favorite aspect of being a member of the UCF rowing team?
The atmosphere. It's like one big family. Everyone supports each other even during intersquad racing.
What is the biggest misconception that non-rowers have regarding the sport?
That it's an easy sport. People don't understand the amount of hours we put in each week plus the extra hours that we do on our own. It's a full-time job.
What is your most memorable highlight from the year?
Beating Virginia. We were underestimated and we proved that we are one of the fastest teams in the country that weekend.
How would you describe the American/Canadian dynamic in the boat?
It's fun. In our boat all the ports are Canadian. The starboards are American and our coxswain is Canadian. It's an inside joke that the Canadians outpull the Americans, but really everyone is working their butts off.
What are you most looking forward to about the NCAA Championship?
Being the first varsity eight from UCF to go. We are really starting to make a name for ourelves and this is the first step. This is history in the making.
If the members of the varsity eight competed on Survivor, who would win and why?
I'd say Robin [Capers]. She is very quiet, strong and observant. I think she'd fly in under everyone's radar and catch us all by surprise.
What are your hobbies off the water?
I am a huge music buff. I love to sing, play instruments, go to concerts and what-not. Also I love working with kids.
What are your plans for the upcoming summer?
I'm going to do one more summer of competitive rowing, hopefully with my sister Caitlin. I'm also working at the city pools as a head lifeguard.
Continue to check throughout the week for more conversations with the varsity eight. The 2007 NCAA Women's Rowing Championships take place from Friday, May 25 through Sunday, May 27 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.