May 4, 2007

As the 2006-07 rowing season winds down, TarHeelBlue.com will spotlight each of the three seniors on the UNC squad. Next up is Megan Mitzel, a business administration major with a history minor from Catonsville, Md. She was interviewed by THB.com's Kristi Hankins.

TarHeelBlue: What made you decide to try out for the rowing team?
Mitzel: "I tried out because I was looking for a way to stay active. My cousin was a coxswain for another university and I had seen some of her races, and thought it looked like an interesting sport. It's very unique and extremely popular in the north. I have stuck with it through college because I enjoy the time I get to spend with my teammates and I like the intensity of the workouts."

THB: Did you participate in sports before coming to college?
Mitzel: "Yes, I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse for my high school and some club teams."

THB: What have you enjoyed most about rowing?
Mitzel: "I have enjoyed experiencing our recent successes the most. I have liked watching my teammates evolve through the years due to the higher expectations they have set for themselves every day."

THB: What do you like to do outside of rowing? If you had an extra hour every day, how would you use it?
Mitzel: "I like to draw. If I had an extra hour every day I would work on some sort of creative project."

THB: How did you become interested in your major and how do you plan to use it after graduation?
Mitzel: "I was drawn to a major in business administration because it seemed like a major that could be applied to any sort of work after school. I want to take the marketing skills I have acquired and go into advertising."

THB: How has your college experience been enriched by being a varsity athlete at Carolina?
Mitzel: "Being a varsity athlete has allowed me to make a great group of friends, and compete with top-name schools."

THB: What has been the best moment of your rowing career?
Mitzel: "I don't really have a best moment. This past weekend [at the Knecht Cupt] my boat came from all the way behind (about 4 boats down) and won our heat; the feeling of walking through all those boats was pretty nice."

THB: What are some challenges and rewards of being both a student and an athlete and how do you handle both responsibilities?
Mitzel: "Some challenges of being both a student and an athlete are getting school work done on time, arranging time for group projects, and being disciplined enough to get a good amount of sleep. Some rewards would be being able to represent a school with a great athletic reputation on race days, and access to leadership development programs. I handle both responsibilities by leading a very structured day, and prioritizing.

THB: What are your plans after graduation? Do you think you will continue to row or participate in other sports?
Mitzel: "I plan to go on vacation. And then stay in the area for a while. I might take up more individualized sports, like running and swimming, in the future."