Emily Dondero

Position:
Varsity
Height:
5-8
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Greensboro, N.C.
High School:
Greensboro Day

Majoring in exercise and sport science ... One of two seniors on the 2005-06 squad ... Member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee ... Serves as a Carolina CREED mentor and is part of the Carolina Leadership Academy's Veteran Leaders program

Rowing at UNC: In her third year on the varsity squad after a year on the novice team ... In the spring of 2005, rowed in the second varsity eight that went undefeated until the ACC Championships ... In the second varsity eight, won the D final at South/Central Sprints in 2004 ... In the novice eight, finished first at the 2002 Head of the Chattahoochee and turned in the first-place time at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints ... Recipient of the Spirit Award for the novice squad in 2002-03

Before UNC: At Greensboro Day School, earned all-conference and MVP honors in volleyball and also played basketball

More on Dondero: Born Emily Nicole Dondero on July 7, 1984, in Melbourne, Australia ... Daughter of Joan and Harvey Dondero ... Has three older sisters - Elizabeth (29), Sarah (27) and Carolyn (25) ... Her father swam and played water polo at Stanford, and her sister Sarah rowed at Virginia ... Favorite pastimes are following Carolina sports, listening to country music, learning new sports skills and playing with her dog ... Says the word that best describes her is "loyal" ... Dream job is to own a "friendly, neighborhood-type" restaurant ... Five years after graduation, sees herself coaching and inspiring kids to get interested in team sport and their own health ... Athletes she most admires are Julius Peppers and her sister Sarah ... Favorite sport besides rowing is volleyball ... Prerace routine is to take three Aleve and practice real-time visualization ... Likes to read inspiring books and loves Mexican food ... Would like to give a shout out to her parents for their "ceaseless support" ... Started rowing at UNC after seeing her sister amass medals and plaques as a rower

Dondero on rowing at UNC: "I know years from now I'll be able to draw on my experience here, and the intangible qualities rowing requires will stay with me."