Alabama Rowing Senior Q&A: Emily Navin
2/8/2018 4:01:00 PM | Rowing
Why did you choose to come to Alabama?
"When it came time to make a decision I thought, 'this is four years. You're 18-22, get away from home and go to that big state university and enjoy those four years, have a blast and soak everything in.' I just wanted to try something new, and Alabama was about as new and different as I could get."
Plans after graduation?
"This summer I will be returning to Seattle to begin my career with KPMG in their assurance practice as an audit intern. I was also accepted into KPMG's Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics Program. Through KPMG's program, I will continue my education at the University of Missouri next fall. After completing my masters and a second internship with the firm, I will be starting full time with KPMG in their assurance practice in Houston, Texas."
Favorite team memory?
"Winning Head of the Charles this year. Head of the Charles was a race that from the time I started rowing as a 12-year-old I've wanted to compete in, and perform well in. Winning my senior year was redemption – junior year at the Charles was probably one of the worst races of my career, but to come back a year later with a gold medal, well, that is something I will cherish forever. Those girls in my boat, I'm so close to – they're like my best friends. Everything fell in place. It was a perfect day and a perfect race."
Funniest team memory?
"I honestly don't think I can pull a single moment. The greatest thing about the girls and the friends I have on the team is how on our best days or our worst, we can always laugh. These girls can make me laugh more than anyone, and it's that amazing, priceless, whole-hearted laugh that can light up your entire day. Every single day there are hilarious moments; we laugh together and that is something I will miss so much when I graduate. But if I had to say one thing, ask Tayla Cabana to whip out some of her killer dance moves."
Who inspired you to first start rowing?
"Well I was born and raised in Seattle and that's a city where there's a lot of rowing. Driving around the city, I could see rowing shells out on the water and I thought, "I want to do that; I want to try it". So maybe it wasn't who made me start rowing but the coaches who showed me how incredible this sport is. I am so grateful for all of my junior coaches, but most notably Andi Day, Steve Dani, Nat Hopper, Damion Winship and Bill Clifford. How lucky I was to be coached by such amazing individuals who demanded and instilled the highest levels of oarsmanship, work ethic, and drive in me."
Life-motto?
"'It builds character'. I firmly believe that every single thing in life, good or bad, it builds character. Carry the mindset that you are unbreakable; there's nothing in this world that can break you. You're going to be tested, you're going to be tried but every single thing – if you let it – builds your character."
Advice to freshman-self?
"Your professors will be wonderful lifelong resources and supporters. Go to office hours and go often!! Work hard, really, really hard. You couldn't even imagine everything this University has to give, but you have to want it and be willing to work for it. You're going to have an incredible four years so go out and be confident, be so proud and happy for everything you have – all the opportunities you earned. Even on your hardest days you always have something to be grateful for. Also, go eat good food often with your best friends and laugh a lot."
Closing comments?
"To Mom, Dad, and my brother Nicholas – thank you everything. Thank you for building a home full of unconditional love, support, compassion and laughter. You raised me to believe I could do anything in this world, but more importantly you've showed me every single day how much you care and support me. It is your love and support that has set me up to be successful not only in rowing, but in all that I do. If I could thank one crew, it would be my 2014 men's lightweight 8+ from high school. I had eight guys who tested me more than you could imagine, but we were an incredible crew. Every day they tested the toughness of my skin, but they also gave me this unmatched level of respect and support. They made me an incredible racer and an incredible coxswain. They're my best friends, even to this day and I'm so lucky to have them in my life. And to all my current and former teammates, and every person who has come into my life throughout my time rowing and at Alabama – thank you. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people."
Players Mentioned
