Katie Cromie, picture right has had a fantastic first year at Michigan State University
ONE YEAR on from making the decision to continue her academic and sporting career in America, Enniskillen rower Katie Cromie has been voted ‘Freshman of the year’ in her university conference and voted Michigan State University’s (MSU) ‘Most Valuable Rower’.
Every University in America is part of a conference in which they compete in before National Competition and Katie was voted ‘Freshman of the Year’ out of the Big Ten Conference.
“Being presented this prize along with being named in the All-Big Ten First Team Line Up, an award given to eight selected athletes within the conference who they believe would make a ‘dream team’, was an absolute honour and a real confidence booster for the upcoming years,” commented Katie.
In a added boost she was also voted Most Valuable MSU Rower, an award for Michigan State athletes, where each team-mate votes for a person they feel has the most positive impact on the team. Katie was the first ever freshman to pick up the accolade and was understandably delighted.
“Being the first freshman in programme history to pick up this prize was a very special moment and one that will help me develop as a leader throughout my time at MSU.”
Reflecting on her first year in America, Katie admits it couldn’t have went much better as she has successfully created a ‘home away from home’.
“My first year at Michigan State has been a very exciting experience. My knowledge in myself as an athlete and also in the sport of rowing has greatly developed.”
Katie has rowed in the first varsity boat for the entire season and credits her swift progression in part to her former coaches at Portora Derek Holland and Dave Ewart, who exposed her to the rigorous demands associated with the sport in America. Katie has eight coached sessions a week and three to four solo workouts and while that may seem excessive, as Katie explains it just comes with the territory.
“I feel rowing is such a time consuming sport that it is very difficult to be uncommitted regardless of where it is performed. If you are going to be successful it requires everything you have got. “Commitment in America is demanding both in academics and at rowing, if you’re not 15 minutes early you are considered late.”
Now finished for the summer and with spare time on her hands Katie admits she doesn’t know what to do with herself, but in the meantime she is just enjoying spending time with family and friends.
“We have been given the opportunity to disconnect from Michigan State Rowing, however as a team it is essential we don’t disengage and lose focus of the 2014 goal. We are a 12 month sport so time off training is limited to one week, before we pick things back up and start the process all over again.”
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