April 25, 2007
As the 2006-07 rowing season winds down, TarHeelBlue.com will spotlight each of the three seniors on the UNC squad. First up is Christin Cotten, a public policy analysis major from Clayton, N.C. She was interviewed by THB.com's Kristi Hankins.
TarHeelBlue: What made you try out for rowing when you arrived at UNC?
Cotten: The idea of being a varsity athlete at UNC was very appealing, and was the most important factor in my decision to try out for the rowing team.
THB: What have been your reasons for sticking with it through college?
Cotten: I don't like to quit. I felt that since I was physically able to row and succeed on the team then there was no reason for me to leave the team.
THB: Did you participate in sports before coming to college?
Cotten: I did participate in sports before college. I played basketball and volleyball for years. Besides those two sports I also lettered in soccer and track in high school.
THB: What have you most enjoyed about rowing?
Cotten: I enjoy the people the most. Because of my teammates, I have four years of wonderful memories.
THB: How has your college experience been enriched by being a varsity athlete at Carolina?
Cotten: As a varsity athlete I have learned what the true meaning of hard work is, and how much dedication and works it takes to succeed.
THB: What are some challenges and rewards of being a student and an athlete? How do you juggle your course load and those early morning practices?
Cotten: It is extremely difficult, but balancing the life and schedule of a student and an athlete taught me a great deal about myself. I learned how to balance my time effectively and how to effectively learn and do academic work.
THB: How did you become interested in public policy as a major?
Cotten: Policy is an area that directly affects people's lives.
THB: Is there an athlete that you look up to or admire?
Cotten: I admire many athletes. I especially admire athletes on the national team. It takes a great deal of dedication and work ethic to be chosen as one of the athletic elites in the nation. Representing your country, in my opinion, is the biggest honor any athlete could receive.
THB: Along with being a member of the rowing team, you are very involved in several organizations. Why have you chosen to participate in them and is there one that you are particularly passionate about?
Cotten: Entering college there were many events, activities, and fields that I wanted to explore. I made diversifying my extracurricular activities a priority. I am very passionate about my work on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, because it gives us an opportunity to voice our opinion to the athletic administration. It also gives me the opportunity to bring changes and new ideas to the athletic department. For example, I miss commencement due to NCAAs, but for the first time we will be having a student-athlete graduation reception to honor all graduating senior athletes. Through the SAAC I was able to work to make the reception a possibility.
THB: What are your plans after graduation? Do you think that you will continue rowing?
Cotten: I am attending law school in the fall at NCCU. I am very excited about the opportunity to pursue a legal education. If I have the opportunity I would like to continue rowing in the future.
