University of Minnesota Athletics
Catching Up with Seniors: Taylor Gainey
12/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
GS: How have you grown as a rower since your freshman year?
TG: As a coxswain, I have become much more confident since freshman year. It was extremely difficult to be sitting in the coxswain seat as an 18 year-old while trying to take charge of 22-23 year-olds. Over the years, I have grown into the role and learned to have confidence in my abilities.
GS: What are your goals for your last spring season?
TG: Personally, to be more confident than I have ever been. As a boat, to get 3rd at Big Tens is a huge goal.
GS: What are your plans post graduation?
TG: Move to the West Coast and pursue an MBA.
GS: What made you come to Minnesota?
TG: Growing up in Columbus surrounded by Ohio State fans, it was my dream to go to a Big Ten school but I always knew I wanted to move out of state and college was the perfect opportunity. After I came on my recruiting visit to the U, I could not stop thinking about the school and I knew this is where I wanted to come.
GS: What is your biggest accomplishment while on the team?
TG: Having the chance to race at the Head of the Charles three times and being chosen as a captain.
GS: What are your favorite things to do outside of rowing?
TG:I love singing, not publicly, drawing/crafting, roller skating, pretending I am an interior designer via Pinterest and spending time outside.
GS: What is your funniest memory while on the team?
TG:One year at the airport one of the girls on the team forgot her I.D. so she had to get fully searched by TSA agents. After this happened, she left her computer in one of the bins at security so an agent had to run and track her down before our flight left. As a thank you, the girl on the team played her electric bagpipes for the TSA agent. It was hilarious.
GS: How are you preparing for spring season?
TG:I am working on thinking of new calls and different ways to phrase things in the boat. I am also exploring new diets/workout plans.
GS: What is something most people don't know about you?
TG:My biggest dream is to backpack across Europe.
GS: What advice would you give to novice rowers who are just learning about the sport?
TG: The biggest advice I can give is to fully submerge yourself in the sport. Learn absolutely everything you can about the team you are on but also learn about other teams and different levels of rowing across the country. Aim as high as you can, be competitive, be dedicated, be excited, and have fun with it. Rowing is an amazing sport that will change your life and mold you into a better person if you let it.
Players Mentioned
