Sarah Stargel

Position:
Novice
Height:
5-6
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Largo, Fla.
High School:
Seminole

Working toward a major in biostatistics with a minor in biology ... A member of the honors program at UNC ... Participates in Carolina Fever and the Big Buddy program ... Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for 2002-03

Rowing at UNC: In her first year on the varsity after a year on the novice squad ... Rowed in the first novice eight for the 2002-03 season before moving up to the varsity eight for NCAA Centrals ... Her novice eight finished first at the Head of the Chattahoochee Regatta in 2002 ... Recipient of the Coach's Award for the novice squad in 2002-03

Before UNC: At Seminole High School, ran cross country and track, finishing ninth in the state in the 1,6000 meters ... Class valedictorian and a National Merit Scholar

More on Stargel: Born Feb. 6, 1984, in Fredericksburg, Va. ... Daughter of Lori and Daryl Stargel ... Career goal is to work in genetic or pharmaceutical research and find a cure for Alzheimer's disease ... Favorite pastime is reading ... Plays the piano and studied ballet for 13 years ... Best moment of her athletic career has been winning cross country districts her junior and senior years of high school ... If she could trade places with anyone for a day, she'd pick her dog, Brinkley, "because it would be wonderful to sleep all day long and have everyone always love, feed and pet you"

Stargel on rowing: Rowing, as the ultimate team sport, has taught me so much about teamwork. The feeling you get as you're flying down a racecourse and everyone is moving perfectly together is indescribable.

Coach Haney says: "Sarah is a very determined and hard-working athlete. She does not allow anything to stand in her way, and that has enabled her to be a top boat-mover on this team."