As COVID-19 runs rampant across not only the United States but the rest of the world, it has and continues to be completely altering of every aspect of our daily lives. Major businesses are shut down, previously labeled "unskilled laborers" are now classified as essential, jobs have been lost, hospitals are overrun, and family members are dying.
As healthcare professionals have struggled to treat and contain this deadly illness, necessary restrictions have been made to keep our community safe. This included the cancellation of all NCAA sports and events for the rest of spring season. As unavoidable as this action was to protect those most at risk, it has left athletes across the nation scrambling to gain closure on seasons cut too short. As a senior, this transition has been especially difficult. On March 12, hours after we learned that the year was officially over, the University announced that all on campus housing must be cleared. Not only had months of work and preparation been halted without warning, but my family and support system at SU were forced to return home.
Rowing is one of the lesser recognized sports at school. Our off-campus, early-morning practices with a group of under 30 lessen my team's presence at Seattle University. Even on the water we seem quiet. Our small fleets of 8's can be seen slicing and gliding across the glass canvas of Lake Union as we race to gain more meters, take more strokes: pushing ourselves and each other inch by inch toward our goals. The voices of the coxswains echo across the water, but what most passersby would witness was the distant silhouette of bodies swinging in unison. Inside the boats it's loud. Filled with the click of oars and the synchronized splash as the blades catch the water, the sound reverberates within the gunnel walls. The soft gurgle and pop of air pockets surrounding the shell transitions from a hum to a symphony as the boat increases in speed. Our coxswains' low-pitched calls propel us to move faster, pull harder, all while maintaining perfect unison with one another. What was once eight individuals evolves into one.
We were having a record-breaking season. Multiple athletes snagged top 10 times that hadn't been touched in years. During our first (and only) race this season, our varsity 8 achieved the fastest time since before I joined in 2016. Our goal this year was to make program history. We wanted to medal at our championship regatta. As we got stronger and faster each practice, something unattainable seemed now within our reach. Our physical abilities were not alone in their excellence. In two years, this team evolved a divisive and unhealthy environment into one of unity and respect. Trust has been the foundation of our success. In the boat, attitude is everything. No matter the height, strength or athletic ability of each rower, if negativity is present, failure is always the ultimate result. Encouraged by the perseverance of our teammates, we hold our heads high, lock our gazes forward and pull not for ourselves, but for each other.
Despite the heartbreaking end to my rowing career, I am forever grateful for the friends I've made and the experiences I've had. Nothing will compare to mornings I spent gazing at the sunrise behind the Seattle skyline; mornings filled with laughter, hard work and my best friends. Rowing has taught me that I have strength I never knew existed and has allowed me to push through hardships because I knew I had the perseverance to do so. If there is a lesson to come out of this crisis (besides healthcare for all), it is to appreciate every day. I will never take for granted the years I spent on the Seattle University Women's Rowing Team.
To my family: thank you for supporting me in all my athletic endeavors, even those that required standing in the freezing cold only to cheer me on for 10 seconds. My time at Seattle U, including the years I spent on this team, would not have been possible without your unconditional love.
To my coaches (specifically Jenny, Cam, Stu, Betsy, Eric, Tiff and Matt): thank you for believing in me, helping me improve every day and pushing me to set higher and higher goals. You helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities and I would not have achieved what I did this year without your encouragement.
To my teammates: every 5 am alarm, every hard day on the erg, every row in the pouring rain was worth it because I got to spend it with all of you. Thank you for being my support system, my favorite part of every day, my only constant these past four years and my family at SU. You all are my biggest inspirations and the strongest women I've ever met. I love you all more than I could ever say. I can't wait to cheer you on next year.
#StrongerTogether
Love always,
Caitlin (Cait) Mitchell
Class of 2020
As healthcare professionals have struggled to treat and contain this deadly illness, necessary restrictions have been made to keep our community safe. This included the cancellation of all NCAA sports and events for the rest of spring season. As unavoidable as this action was to protect those most at risk, it has left athletes across the nation scrambling to gain closure on seasons cut too short. As a senior, this transition has been especially difficult. On March 12, hours after we learned that the year was officially over, the University announced that all on campus housing must be cleared. Not only had months of work and preparation been halted without warning, but my family and support system at SU were forced to return home.
Rowing is one of the lesser recognized sports at school. Our off-campus, early-morning practices with a group of under 30 lessen my team's presence at Seattle University. Even on the water we seem quiet. Our small fleets of 8's can be seen slicing and gliding across the glass canvas of Lake Union as we race to gain more meters, take more strokes: pushing ourselves and each other inch by inch toward our goals. The voices of the coxswains echo across the water, but what most passersby would witness was the distant silhouette of bodies swinging in unison. Inside the boats it's loud. Filled with the click of oars and the synchronized splash as the blades catch the water, the sound reverberates within the gunnel walls. The soft gurgle and pop of air pockets surrounding the shell transitions from a hum to a symphony as the boat increases in speed. Our coxswains' low-pitched calls propel us to move faster, pull harder, all while maintaining perfect unison with one another. What was once eight individuals evolves into one.
We were having a record-breaking season. Multiple athletes snagged top 10 times that hadn't been touched in years. During our first (and only) race this season, our varsity 8 achieved the fastest time since before I joined in 2016. Our goal this year was to make program history. We wanted to medal at our championship regatta. As we got stronger and faster each practice, something unattainable seemed now within our reach. Our physical abilities were not alone in their excellence. In two years, this team evolved a divisive and unhealthy environment into one of unity and respect. Trust has been the foundation of our success. In the boat, attitude is everything. No matter the height, strength or athletic ability of each rower, if negativity is present, failure is always the ultimate result. Encouraged by the perseverance of our teammates, we hold our heads high, lock our gazes forward and pull not for ourselves, but for each other.
Despite the heartbreaking end to my rowing career, I am forever grateful for the friends I've made and the experiences I've had. Nothing will compare to mornings I spent gazing at the sunrise behind the Seattle skyline; mornings filled with laughter, hard work and my best friends. Rowing has taught me that I have strength I never knew existed and has allowed me to push through hardships because I knew I had the perseverance to do so. If there is a lesson to come out of this crisis (besides healthcare for all), it is to appreciate every day. I will never take for granted the years I spent on the Seattle University Women's Rowing Team.
To my family: thank you for supporting me in all my athletic endeavors, even those that required standing in the freezing cold only to cheer me on for 10 seconds. My time at Seattle U, including the years I spent on this team, would not have been possible without your unconditional love.
To my coaches (specifically Jenny, Cam, Stu, Betsy, Eric, Tiff and Matt): thank you for believing in me, helping me improve every day and pushing me to set higher and higher goals. You helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities and I would not have achieved what I did this year without your encouragement.
To my teammates: every 5 am alarm, every hard day on the erg, every row in the pouring rain was worth it because I got to spend it with all of you. Thank you for being my support system, my favorite part of every day, my only constant these past four years and my family at SU. You all are my biggest inspirations and the strongest women I've ever met. I love you all more than I could ever say. I can't wait to cheer you on next year.
#StrongerTogether
Love always,
Caitlin (Cait) Mitchell
Class of 2020