Alabama Rowing Senior Q&A: Charlotte Adkins
2/1/2018 11:39:00 AM | Rowing
What inspired you to first start rowing?
"I was watching the Olympics my junior year of high school with my dad when rowing came on. I said, 'this looks like a cool sport, I wonder if there are any teams in Colorado', so I joined the Mile High Rowing Club the next month. I want to thank my club coach, Grace Malacrida, for teaching me to love the sport of rowing and for being a great inspiration to me in my competitive pursuits."
Choosing to come to Alabama
"I chose to row for Alabama because I saw a lot of potential for the team. I wanted to be one of those contributors that would take the program to the next level, and our senior class has. Additionally, we were fortunate to receive state-of-the-art facilities, boats and equipment my freshman year. All of it has really helped elevate our program."
What are your favorite memories while competing with the Tide?
"I have two. The first would be winning gold and setting a course record at Head of the Charles Regatta this past fall. My second involved my grandfather, Hagood Clarke. He was a football player at the University of Florida and the last time he was in Tuscaloosa, he intercepted Joe Namath in the third quarter to preserve a Gators lead in 1963. He told me, 'the last time I was in Tuscaloosa, I beat Alabama so there is no reason to ever go back.' Although I wasn't able to convince him to wear crimson, my greatest accomplishment was getting him back to Tuscaloosa, having him watch a practice and cheer for the Tide during my races. Both of my grandparents are coming back again for graduation too!"
What is your funniest team memory?
"Last fall, Tayla Cabana and I were put in a pair for practice. As we pushed off the dock, we flipped our boat completely over! After being submerged, we flipped the boat back over, swam back to the dock and got back in. Once we were back in, we were trying so hard not to flip again because we were laughing so hard. We rowed the remainder of practice completely soaked!"
Do you have a life motto?
"John 3:16 says, 'God so loved the world that he gave is only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' There is no other life motto or message more powerful than this."
What advice would you give to freshman self if you could?
"What you put in is what you will get back. Take time for yourself. Call your family as much as you can. Never skip summer break workouts. Know that you are going to wake up sore almost every day. Make sure you get plenty of sleep – naps are your friend. Lean on your teammates; they will always be there when you need them. Get ready for a hard, but awesome, four years with the Tide!"
Any closing comments?
"I want to sincerely thank my Lord and Savior for all my blessings. Without him nothing is possible. Thank you to my mom Jennifer, my dad David, my sister Adaline and all my extended family. You all make life so amazing. I can't thank you enough for the love, support and opportunities you have given me. Thanks to Grant Mosher for all the fun college memories, supporting my hectic schedule and being there for me through it all. I am so thankful God had us meet freshman year. Thank you to all my teammates for pushing me to be my best every day. I wouldn't have made it all four years without you all! I can't wait for a great spring season! ROLL TIDE! "
Players Mentioned
