Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Rowing Journal - Alaina Puff
10/9/2009 8:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Oct. 9, 2009
I started my rowing career the summer before my junior year of high school. I had been a basketball player since third grade and had dreams to play for a Division 1 team in college. However, I learned about the sport of rowing from some of my friends in the Pittsburgh area. I decided to try it out and fell in love with the sport immediately.
The summer before my senior year was when I found out about Bucknell University. I was at Nationals, a large rowing regatta, and had the opportunity to talk to Coach Kish at a college recruiting booth. I never considered myself good enough to be on a Division 1 rowing team, since I was so new to the sport. However, my competitive nature pushed me forward and I began working harder every practice to be part of Bucknell's rowing team.
Now I am here at Bucknell and loving every minute of it. Yes, the work is difficult and you have much more free time than ever before, but it is an experience I will never forget. Practices are challenging, yet rewarding at the same time. Singles are hands down my least favorite boat, but they allow me to push myself and see my individual progress every practice. The coaching is great and all the coaches are very helpful and kind. But the one thing I truly love about the Bucknell rowing team is the girls.
It is always intimidating being the freshman surrounded by rowers who have had so much more experience than I. However, here I felt right at home and welcomed into this rowing family the girls created. So far my favorite night was when we all got together and watched movies and made awesome t-shirts. I felt like I had known these girls forever and the feeling of being accepted onto the team was an indescribable feeling.
I look forward to the spring season when we can get out on the water and show off the hard work we have done. Racing is my favorite part about rowing and I am excited to have the opportunity to race with the girls on this team. I am so happy to be part of this rowing family and am defiantly here to stay.
- Alaina Puff '13
