University of North Carolina Athletics
De Vito Hopes to End UNC Career on a High Note
October 19, 2021 | Women's Rowing
CHAPEL HILL – Senior rower Alessandra De Vito is hoping to put a good stamp on her college career and looks to shock some people on the way.
The Newton, Mass., native started her rowing journey her freshman year of high school due to annoying shin and ankle injuries.
"My older sister was a rower, so I just decided to try it for a year then go back to soccer," she said. "I enjoyed rowing so much that I ended up never going back to soccer."
After a successful high school career, Alessandra wanted to continue her rowing career and competitive spirit in college.
"I love home, but I knew I wanted to go somewhere outside of New England and see new things," De Vito said. "I wanted to go to a big sports school with a lot of spirit, and I wanted to challenge myself completely. I also felt like I was valued as a student-athlete and the beauty and atmosphere of UNC's campus was hard to beat."
De Vito has had some memorable moments throughout her time at UNC, but one stuck out to her during her freshman year.
"We had raced up in New Jersey, and I was competing in a boat full of juniors and seniors, which kind of intimidated me a little bit," she said. "We did really well at those races, and I soon got to know my boatmates a lot more. My boatmates made me feel more connected, and it finally felt like I was a part of the team even though I was just a freshman."
With her senior year upon her, Alessandra has high aspirations for the team and her personally.
"Team-wise, I want us to perform better than we have ever had at ACC Championships. I also want to shock the teams this year that have never thought about us before," De Vito said. "Personally, I want to be more confident at the start line, and I want to know that we are going to go and beat some teams. It's my last year, and I want to know that I didn't hold anything back in the four years I was here at UNC."
If that commitment and drive are any indications, it looks like Alessandra De Vito is set up to have a strong senior season.
