In a new blog series, Emily Puia will be taking us behind the scenes of the UCF rowing team.
In honor of senior day on April 15, I sat down and talked to two super seniors, Tatum Cox and Lauren Roman. Here is what they had to say:
Lauren Roman started at UCF in 2018 as a novice walk on and stroke for the Third Varsity Eight. Some things have changed since she first got here. Lauren became a coxswain her second year at UCF and since then has been killing it! She is now the coxswain for the Varsity Eight and a strong leader on the team.
What has been your favorite thing about being a part of this team?
"My favorite thing about being a part of this team has been getting to practice and race with people who are equally as competitive as I am. It takes a special type of person to willingly get up at 5 a.m. and train several times a day to race a handful of times each year. Being surrounded by powerful, driven women each day is incredibly motivating."
What is your favorite part about being a coxswain?
"My favorite part about being a coxswain is the adrenaline you experience during a race and when everything finally comes together. I love sitting at the starting line waiting for the flag to drop and the race to start, because the second it does, all 9 of us have our minds on one thing - working together to win. It's a really unique feeling, helping your boat maximize their potential and put down a strategic race. The feeling of pushing in front of the competition and trusting your boat will get you there is like none other."
Looking back on your time at UCF - from coming in as a novice walk-on rower to now being the coxswain for the Varsity 8, what would you tell your freshmen self today?
"I would tell myself that time goes fast and to savor every moment. While the days can feel long at times, before you know it you are halfway through your final season wondering where the time went. I would also tell myself that I am exactly where I am meant to be, and that everything I am doing is preparing me for what's next, so embrace every opportunity."
Tatum Cox started at UCF in 2017 in the Third Varsity Four. Since then, she has earned a spot in the Second Varsity Eight through her hard work, dedication, and leadership. Throughout Tatum's rowing career, she has also been heavily involved on campus with things like President's Leadership Council, Homecoming Court, and Knight-Thon.
You have been involved in multiple things during your time at UCF. What has been your favorite part of being so involved on campus?
"My favorite part about being involved on campus is that it makes campus smaller. UCF is a huge school with a student body of almost 70,000 now, and it's easy to get lost in the crowd. But becoming involved allowed me to make friends all over campus, from First Year Experience all the way to the President's Office. Everywhere I went, I was likely to see a familiar face. Getting involved on campus made UCF not just my university, but my home."
Do you have any advice for underclassmen about balancing school, athletics, and extracurriculars?
"I think the best advice I can give is to stay organized and be true to yourself. I bullet journal, which helps me with the logistics of things, but I also make sure to take time for myself at some point each day so I don't feel burnt out. Even if you have to schedule in taking a break, getting a coffee, or reading a book, do it. Making time for the things you enjoy will make all the tasks and events in your day more enjoyable too."
Looking back at your five years here, what would you tell your freshman self today?
"I would tell her that bad days make the good ones even better, and that she will continually surprise herself in resiliency, drive, and optimism. Also, to enjoy all the little things in each day, week, and year because time moves faster than you think it will. I'm really thankful that I was afforded a fifth year because it gave me one more chance to do the sport I love with the people I love, and to enjoy those little things one more time."
