May 25, 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 Brittney Kusner. A health sciences major, Kusner rowed with the junior varsity eight for most of the season before moving into the seventh seat in the varsity eight boat prior to the championships. She hails from Sarasota, Fla.
When did you begin rowing? What attracted you to the sport?
I began rowing during the spring semester of my senior year in high school. I was attracted to the sport because I love to work out and sweat. That is something you do a lot of in rowing.
Why did you decide to attend UCF?
It was in Orlando and only two hours from my hometown of Sarasota.
What is your favorite aspect of being a member of the UCF rowing team?
Being with a bunch of girls who are so alike due to their love of the sports and the commitment we have to each other.
What is the biggest misconception that non-rowers have regarding the sport?
People think it is a n upper body sport when actually it involves all muscle of the body especially the legs.
What is your most memorable highlight from the year?
Being with the rest of the team when UCF was named on the conference call for the NCAA Championship.
How would you describe the American/Canadian dynamic in the boat?
Both nationalites are able to work very well together.
What are you most looking forward to about the NCAA Championship?
Just being there with all of the other teams.
If the members of the varsity eight competed on Survivor, who would win and why?
Krystina Sarff because no one would kick off the sweetest person in the world.
What are your hobbies off the water?
Traveling reading, weightlifting and getting massages. I also like to watch movies and hang out with my family, my boyfriend and my friends.
What are your plans for the upcoming summer?
Traveling around the U.S. I also will be doing my physical therapy observation hours for graduate school, applying to graduate school and studying for the GRE.
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.