Catching Up with Marin McCabe
4/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
Marin McCabe is one of just four seniors on the U-M rowing team in 2007-08. Four years ago, the Champaign, Ill., native came to Michigan as an accomplished high school volleyball player. Initially a member of the rowing team's novice program, McCabe has utilized her natural athletic ability and strong worth ethic to earn a seat in Michigan's second varsity eight in each of the last two seasons. Last weekend McCabe collected her degree in English during U-M's graduation activities, and this weekend she'll be back on the water as the Wolverines strive for first place at the 2008 Big Ten Championships.
What is the most important role you fulfill as one of five captains on this team
As a captain on the team, my teammates are my number one priority. It is not easy to be a student-athlete, and it is important to emphasize that we are all here for each other. I have learned a lot as an athlete on this team for four years, and I can take that experience and share it with my fellow teammates.
How did you win the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for U-M rowing last season Word on the water is that you're the nicest person on the team.
That is very humbling to hear; my teammates are really wonderful people. Honestly, I did not do anything extraordinary to win. For me, I have always valued having a positive attitude, and it was an honor to have that acknowledged. My teammates make it easy though. We have a lot of fun together.
Four years ago you came to Michigan with very little rowing experience. For student-athletes from non-traditional rowing regions, how did you adjust and what can you say about the experience of learning a new sport at the Division I level
Even now when I talk to my friends back home, I'm convinced they think I row a canoe or kayak every day! Learning a new sport that I was completely unfamiliar with was initially intimidating. Luckily, starting my rowing career on the novice team here at Michigan, I experienced these emotions with 30 other new rowers. The endurance training was the largest and hardest adjustment for me coming from a volleyball background, where the training and skills needed could not be more different. As a new athlete to the sport, it was really gratifying to see how much stronger and better my rowing became over a short period of time. As rowing became more natural for my body, making the small adjustments in my technique has become the greater challenge. My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering a rowing career: have patience. I can vividly remember my first day of rowing practice freshman year and having no idea what I was doing, and four years later it's mind boggling for me how far I've come as a person and rower.
What makes University of Michigan rowing unique
We enjoy being around each other. It's really exciting to be on a team where we work hard but we have fun with it as well. That goes for the relationships between the rowers and with the coaches. I think that's pretty special.
What makes you proud to be a Wolverine
Being a part of this team for four years. Through thick and thin, I have learned so much about myself and am so proud to say that I am a Michigan student-athlete.
What is your relationship like with the coaching staff
We are so lucky to have the coaches we do; they are wonderful people. I know (head coach) Mark (Rothstein), (assistant coach) Vee (Veronika Platzer) and (assistant coach) Carla (Bezold) care about each person on the team. I respect them for what they do each day, in the bitter cold, heavy rain, sideways snow, and occasional warm sunshine. They give their all to help the team succeed.
What's your favorite place on the Michigan campus
Wherever the Insomnia Cookie Truck is! Our team has a bit of a sweet tooth, and most of us are very fond of the warm cookies, especially when it's cold outside. I have received phone calls from teammates reporting the truck's most recent location.
What is your most memorable moment as a Michigan athlete
Still to come.
What are your pre-race routines
Listening to Britney Spears. On the team it is a well-known weakness of mine to listen to her music to get pumped up. Liz McCannell joins me in this guilty pleasure. Although others may not outwardly admit it, there are usually a few other people joining me on a pre-race Britney fix.
What's going through your mind when you're racing
In my mind a rotation of the phrases, "Get your blade in!" and, "How many meters left"
Why is rowing your sport If you weren't a rower what sport would you compete in
Rowing is my sport because it is a challenge. I like that I am able to push myself to the limit every day. My dream sport would be gymnastics because of the cool tumbling, but I'm too tall and not that flexible, so I think I'll stick with rowing.
Now that school is over, how do you fill your time in between practices What are your extracurricular activities
It's scary to hear that school is over. I manage to kill time pretty well reading magazines and light reading. If it's a nice day, you'll typically find me outside. However, without school we are practicing more, so naps are a common occurrence. I usually go out to eat a few times a week with my teammates; it's important to have a relationship outside of rowing.
How do you and the team feel about being active in the community Last year the rowing team won U-M Athletics Community Service Award.
I am so impressed by the service our team has given to the community. As student-athletes we have a busy schedule already, and I admire all the girls that give their time to others. That just shows what a wonderful team we have!
What is your major and how do you plan on channeling it into real-life experiences What has been your favorite class
I am an English major and have completely loved it. I have no desire to teach, but I enjoyed the curriculum. My favorite class has been English 407: Children Under Fire with Elizabeth Goodenough. It was a children's literature class where we focused on children's literature that took place during times of trauma or war. With my major, I am going to graduate school for a Masters in Public Administration where I hope to continue to be associated with athletics. English has helped me to develop my writing and analytical skills, which will greatly serve me with the graduate work.
What previous experiences (athletic or non-athletic) have helped you with rowing
It's helped me that I have balanced athletics and academics most of my life. It was still overwhelming for me freshman year because I felt I had so much on my plate, but I knew it would be a difficult task to manage coming into college. It is important not to underestimate the amount of time rowing takes up in a day and to use your time wisely.
Who is the craziest/weirdest person on the team and why
Ashley Kroll. The girl is a total nut, but the biggest sweetheart. If ever anyone is in need of a laugh, Kroll can deliver. Not only is she hilarious, but also she is a huge inspiration for everyone on our team. She is only a sophomore and has stepped up to become a vital part of our team. I am really excited for her!
What adjectives would your teammates use to describe you
Kind, fun, thoughtful, encouraging.
What's something notable about your hometown or home state
Olympic speedskater Bonnie Blair is from Champaign.
What is your life motto
Laugh loud. I have had a little key chain in my car that I see every day to remind me. I think it's important to not get worried about the little things in life and be miserable. Laugh instead.
What is the best vacation you've ever been on
Growing up, my dad was into adventure vacations. My sophomore year of high school we went whitewater rafting in Moab, Utah, for four days straight and never saw another person. It was an amazing experience.
What is one thing you cannot live without
Diet Pepsi. It's an unhealthy habit, but I need to have my fix.
What was your childhood aspiration
I wanted to go to California and be an interior designer. For whatever reason, I thought California would be the coolest place to live, which is funny because my brother and sister are the ones who ended up there for college. I have always enjoyed drawing and would spend hours doodling houses and their interiors. Now that I think about it, I still do!
Who is your superhero alter ego and why
Wow, I don't think this has ever crossed my mind. I have no idea. I only know Batman and Spiderman, but between those two, definitely Spiderman. I like how he can swing from buildings.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor
Cookies and cream! I have a passion for Oreos.
If you could invite four people over for dinner who would they be
I do have a special place in my heart for Brad Pitt, but I'm going to say my parents and two siblings. College has made it so I never get to see them. However, my mom is totally cooking or else the family would be eating tacos or pasta (my specialties)!
What's your favorite book
The Other Boelyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I read it two years ago, and the book is still in circulation throughout the team. I think Ashley Kroll is reading it now. Caitlin McAllister and I made a point to see the movie on opening night a few months ago. Our reviews: the book is so much better!
What TV show can you envision yourself being in
I don't think I watch good enough TV shows to envision myself in any of them. I would want to be on MTV's "The Hills" and tell them how ridiculous they act all the time. I think I could really stir things up on the show because my life would be too normal for them.
What website do you visit the most
TMZ.com. I have a slight obsession with checking celebrity gossip sites. There are a few of us on the team who keep each other updated on the gossip so we never miss anything.
Who do you take after more, your mom or your dad
Although I'm a daddy's girl, I'm definitely a combo kid. My dad is athletic and driven, where my mom is hilarious and artistic. I think I have a pretty good combination.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you
I am deathly afraid of fish. Every time I swim in lake or ocean water, I'm convinced they will eat me. I am completely comfortable rowing above the water.
What are your top three songs that get you hyped
"Toxic" - Britney Spears
"Stronger" - Kanye West
"Man Eater" - Nelly Furtado
Besides rowing, what are your summer plans
I am going back to Illinois to be with my family and preparing for grad school in Florida in the fall! I am going to try and adjust to not having such a strict schedule each day.
Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423
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