University of North Carolina Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Shannon Wilson
May 22, 2009 | Women's Rowing
May 22, 2009
How and when did you get involved with the sport of rowing? Do you have plans to continue coxing after college?
Shannon Wilson: I started rowing my freshman year after my roommates mom said that I looked like I would be good at it. So when I got a letter from the team inviting me to try out I figured it was fate. I wanted to get involved because it seemed like a great way to meet friends and find my niche in college. I don't have any concrete plans to continue coxing after college except for rowing an alumni 8 at the hooch next year.
What has been the highlight of your UNC rowing career?
Wilson: Being a part of the varsity 8 boat that was named the team MVP
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the sport of rowing?
Wilson: People think that all the coxswain does is sit at the back and yell "row" every once in a while. It's a little more complicated than that.
What's the most valuable lesson you'll take away from having been a member of the UNC rowing team?
Wilson: I've learned how to have more confidence in myself and to have patience when things aren't always going the way you expect.
What will you miss most about being a part of the UNC team? Miss least?
Wilson: I'll miss my teammates the most and random little things we do together, like going out to dinner and a movie, or having sleepovers at each other's houses before races. I'll least miss getting up early to practice in 30-degree weather.
 |
|
What has been the hardest thing about being a collegiate student-athlete?
Wilson: The hardest thing is finding a balance between athletic life and regular collegiate life. You have to make sacrifices and you end up missing out on some things.
What are your post-graduation plans? What do you hope to be doing in five years?
Wilson: Right now I have a summer internship with a public relations firm in Baltimore. In five years I hope to be working for a major TV network helping market their shows.
What has been your favorite class at Carolina and why did you like it?
Wilson: I really liked the history of pop culture. I found it fascinating to dissect how pop culture has influenced American history
What is your favorite memory of your time as a Carolina student?
Wilson: Stuffing 25 of my teammates in my tiny living room to watch the national championship game.
What have you enjoyed most about being a student at UNC? If you were giving one piece of advice to a freshman starting college in the fall, what would you say?
Wilson: I've enjoyed being a student at a place with so much school spirit and everybody is just really excited to be here. My advice to freshman would be take advantage of everything the university has to offer and never be afraid to try something new.
