Badgering: Sarah Gibbons
May 15, 2019 | Women's Rowing
Senior shares favorite things about Wisconsin rowing and fun facts
Why did you choose to be a Badger?
As an athlete I really wanted to come to a school that prioritized athletics. Signing myself up for 20 hours a week for four years I wanted a place that was as serious about sports as I am, which Wisco definitely is. I also always wanted the big college-town feel. I love Madison. I'm really glad I got to live here as a student.
How did you get involved in rowing?
I was cornered in the hallway by a rower my freshman year of high school who begged me to come down to the boathouse. I ignored her, but then a week later an old friend sent me a facebook message saying she rowed and she thought I would like it. That got me interested and I found the hallway girl again and she took me down. Me and Oona, the old friend, became best friends again actually. It was very full circle.
What has been your favorite race so far in your collegiate career?
We had a lot of fun races my freshman year in our novice eight that I really loved. But the proudest I've ever been of a boat was probably our NCAA semi finals race in the second varsity eight my sophomore year. We got ourselves into the grand finals by sheer force of will, it was so much fun. I think I legitimately cried at the finish line.
👐elcome home Badgers! 𝘖𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 you glad we're back? #GoBadgers #OnWisconsin #MadisonSunrise☀️
— Wisconsin Track & Field (@BadgerTrackXC) April 3, 2019
What do you miss most about San Francisco?
Definitely the food. San Francisco does not disappoint with food. I also miss my year-round wardrobe and the ability to make plans without considering the weather.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of the boathouse?
I love finding new places to eat and hang out in Madison. Getting outside of the UW bubble, the city is a really vibrant and interesting place. I always tell people to spend at least one summer here because summer Madison is the best.
First Races ☑
— Wisconsin Rowing (@BadgerRowing) March 19, 2019
First Big Ten Boat of the Week ☑
Congrats to the varsity eight!https://t.co/OB70Im5Gou pic.twitter.com/fkJ509oLSz
What was your middle school like? How has that experience influenced or benefited you?
What's your plan after your senior season and graduation?
As of right now my plan is loose at best, but I want to work in nonprofit advocacy and policy, preferably in Washington DC. I'm a Community and Nonprofit Leadership major, which has a tendency to make people groan. I get why, but I think my favorite thing about my major is how expansive it is. The nonprofit sector is huge, and the longer I spend studying it the more interested I've become in policy work.
Has there been someone at UW who acted as a role model, biggest supporter, or someone you have looked up to during your time at Wisconsin?
The first person who comes to mind is our weight trainer Bri Che. She became our trainer my junior year. When she first started I actually had a lot of problems with the way she ran the weight room, and I let her know too, which was probably (definitely) very obnoxious. But she's won me over this last year. I really appreciate her attention to detail and the amount of time she's taken out of her own schedule to try and understand rowing better. She's become a real advocate for our team and inspired me to work harder and smarter during our weight sessions. She's also an insanely good athlete herself, which always helps.Any funny or fun facts you want to share?
I tried to quit rowing two months in. I went to talk to the coach and everything, so I could try out for my high school's soccer team. I remember all she said was "we'll talk about it later." Eight years later and we never talked about it.
Players Mentioned
