Q & A with Megan Mitchell

Aug. 25, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - The newest addition to the University of Oklahoma athletics, women's rowing, has announced a complete staff, including new graduate assistant Megan Mitchell. Soonersports.com recently sat down with Mitchell to gain insight about her rowing experience, the new program, and her personal interests.

General Info:
Age: 24 (10/21/1983)
Hometown: Orlando
Family: Mom, Dad, two older sisters in Orlando
College: University of Central Florida (Undergrad), OU (Grad degree)
Coaching experience: Coaching juniors and masters in Norwalk, CT in '06 (for Canadian Henley), Bishop Moore men's and women's Novice and Varsity team '05-'06 (in Orlando), Women's Novice squad at University of Central Florida '07-'08, USRowing Coaching Level III certified

What attracted you to rowing?
I played softball, ran cross country, and was on the weight lifting team in high school. I wanted to try something different in college, so I figured that trying out for the rowing team at UCF and college athletics were a good fit for me.

What drew you to Oklahoma?
I was coached by Leeanne (Crain) and Andy (Derrick) when I was a rower at UCF. Then, I had the chance to work alongside of them on the rowing staff for a year, along with Kris (Muhl), at UCF.
When Leeanne came to OU, she asked me to come continue my Graduate Assistantship as a coach with her. Our rowing staff has such an incredible dynamic and we work so well together; I wanted to continue working with and learning from Leeanne. Also, the reputation of OU Athletics and having the chance to coach/work in this department was an offer I could not pass up!

How are you adapting to Oklahoma?
Though the beach will always be home to me, it's so nice to get away from hot humid summers in Florida! I'm looking forward to legitimately experiencing a change of seasons in this region of the country, too. I love the small town feel of Norman and the friendly people. The genuine people here in Norman are the primary reason that I am already feeling so at-home in Oklahoma.

Do you expect rowing to pick up interest in Oklahoma soon?
I believe it already is, quickly. The Chesapeake Boat Club in Oklahoma City is rapidly registering new members into the club's various `learn-to-row' classes and member-organizations. Other collegiate programs are establishing themselves and are becoming more competitive as well, including Tulsa, Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and of course OU. A lot of people around town seem to be familiar with the Chesapeake Boat Club and express interest in learning more about the sport of rowing.

What is your favorite aspect of rowing?
The mental and physical discipline that this sport requires seems to fall into other areas of life. Rowing has taught me a lot about commitment, dedication, discipline, and mental/emotional strength. For anyone who takes an interest to rowing and pursues it, I feel that they are transformed into stronger individuals overall. It is a challenging sport that exposes weakness, yet offers opportunity to continuously set and reach individual and team goals. Reaching goals in rowing is like climbing to the next step on the "Confidence Ladder." Rowing teaches you how to work with others while contributing your strengths to the overall common goal of unison and speed.

What is your favorite feature about Oklahoma so far?
Primarily, my favorite thing about Oklahoma is the excitement and support of the OU community and athletics department for rowing. It is a new experience for me to be a part of a program with so much tradition and pride, and I love it. The administration and athletics staff are so helpful, professional, and eager to learn about rowing. There is so much opportunity to learn when it comes to an organized, competitive and successful collegiate athletics department. It is an exciting time and place to be involved in developing a new varsity sport at OU.

What is your favorite rowing experience?
Ultimately, rowing as bow pair in the Lightweight Varsity 8 with my best friend and having Andy (Derrick) as my coach.

What other sports are you interested in?
I really like all sports, but my favorite to participate in are running cross country, surfing, skateboarding, softball, weightlifting, and biking.

What is your favorite restaurant in Norman?
Freebirds

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Holly Metcalf. Aside from her athletic accolades, she's an incredible role model because of her role in advocating women's rowing. She was a six-time USA National/Olympic team member and won a gold medal for the Women's 8+ event in the 1984 Olympics. She also won three silver and one bronze World Championship medals. She is currently the founder and Executive Director of the Row as One Institute Inc., and is the head coach of MIT's Varsity Openweight Women's rowing team. She is very friendly and passionate about rowing and with getting people involved in the sport.

What is something everyone should know about rowing?
Rowing is a sport that will surely make you stronger both physically and mentally.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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