Kayla Hackett

Position:
Varsity
Height:
5-9
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Plainsboro, N.J.
High School:
West Windsor-Plainsboro

Working toward a double major in psychology and exercise and sport science ... Part of the Carolina Leadership Academy's Rising Stars program ... Serves as a Carolina CREED mentor

Rowing at UNC: Is in her first year on the varsity squad after rowing for the novice squad as a freshman ... In the spring of 2006, rowed in the novice eight that won the Lake Wheeler Invitational and took third at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association and ACC championships

Before UNC: At West Windsor-Plainsboro South High School, played for the varsity basketball team ... Also member of the marching band and National Honor Society

More on Hackett: Born April 17, 1987, in Charlotte, N.C. ... Daughter of Tony and Karen Hackett ... Has two younger siblings, Drew (16) and Evan (13) .. Favorite pastimes are reading, sleeping and laughing ... Says the word that best describes her is "caring" ... Dream job is something that combines sports and helping people ... Athlete she most admires is basketball player Jason Capel ... Best moments of her athletic career have been earning a spot in the first novice eight last spring and winning the Lake Wheeler Invitational ... Favorite sport besides rowing is basketball ... Before racing, likes to relax and listen to the Foo Fighters ... Says she has a "slight obsession" with penguins

Hackett on rowing at UNC: "It's hard to believe how easy it is to fall in love with the sport and being on this team just makes it even easier, no matter how early I have to wake up!"