Growing up in Delaware, there’s always an inclination to try and explore new places and find a new world outside of “the small wonder.”
My days growing up in the Wilmington weren’t always a walk in the park. I certainly had my group of close friends, but I also had some hard times and struggled with my mental health.
Rowing became an outlet for me in high school and along the way, it became a way to open up future opportunities. It landed me a scholarship at Boston College on its varsity rowing team.
I was excited to get started and thoroughly enjoyed my time at BC, but something was off. The pressure was building and my moods and mental health became a roller coaster. I pushed my way through my freshman year, but I hit a low point that following summer.
That summer, I felt completely lost, feeling overwhelmed and low all the time. I was lucky to have friends and family that were huge supporters and pushed to find help for me. But nothing seemed to be working.
I tried to go back to BC and push through, but ultimately I knew I couldn’t handle it anymore. It wasn’t the healthy or safe option for myself.
So back home I went.
After some time spent working and receiving support from many people, I decided to try school again. Except this time, I chose University of Delaware. I wanted to be back in my home state and close to my support system, a “safety net” of sorts. I started classes again and remembered why I loved school. However, I still felt like there was a little piece missing. With that in mind, I walked into KG’s office (Coach Kevin Gruber) and asked to join the rowing team at UD. I will be forever grateful he said yes.
In the year since that decision, I can honestly tell you that I’ve never felt more supported during both good and bad times. Being here as a student-athlete has given me resources and support systems that I could have never imagined. People like Kara Feeney (nurtionist) and Bridget Burger (student support services), and all the athletic staff, have provided so much assistance. The programs both on and off the river have given me outlets to stay healthy - not only physically, but mentally.
On top of the amazing athletic staff, I have found a home on the UDWR team. My teammates have become my second family. Sure, we are competing with each other every morning, but at the end of the day, we compete as a team on race day. Each Friday, before the weekend, KG reminds us to “turn to the guy next to you and tell them you’ve got their back.” And we all do it. Beyond the words, we truly mean it.
I’ve been able to open up about my struggles with mental health with various members of the team and coaching staff. I’ve received nothing but support and love from their open arms. I’ve come to realize not every day will be great, and maybe it won’t even be good, but I couldn’t be more thankful for finding my way back home at University of Delaware.
