March 24, 2004

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Noll checks in for the latest addition of Q&A. The Senior Graphics Communcations major from Brimingham, AL is one of the Tigers' veteran leaders. Read what she had to say below.

What was the best part of your V8+ race?
My favorite part about the V8+ race was how we stuck to our boat unity and really dominated the second half of the race. It has given us a lot of confidence as a crew to be able to row our race no matter what the situation.

V4+ race?
The Varsity 4+ race was definitely the most challenging race we've had thus far this season because of the wind conditions. However, my boat mates and I maintained our composure and raced a solid race. It is always a good learning experience racing in challenging conditions and it gave us the confidence we need to know we can be competitive in any condition.

What has contributed to the success of the team so far this year?
I think the biggest contributing factor to this year's success, is the boat to boat competition day in and day out. We have really strived to be competitive with each other and have every boat pushing to make the next one fast. Maintaining good attitudes and work ethic while pushing others to maximize their potential, is really building our team's success.

What are you looking forward to this season?
Right now I am really looking forward to traveling to Michigan to race some really competitive teams. Having two solid weekends of racing under our belts is encouraging, especially knowing that we are getting faster everyday. I am excited to lay it on the line and see how we stack up against some nationally competitive schools. I have so much confidence in my boat mates and the team and I know we will represent Clemson well.

Why did you choose Clemson?
I looked at Clemson randomly because I had some friends that went here. I fell in love with the people and the campus when I came on my recruiting trip and knew it was exactly where I wanted to go.

Why did you choose to row at Clemson?
I came to Clemson on a swimming scholarship and swam my freshman year. After ending my swimming career, I realized that I still wanted to be a student-athlete and loved the competition, so I heard about rowing through some friends and decided to try out.

Why do you push yourself so hard everyday and put in so many hours?
Because I wouldn't have it any other way. People wonder why, but I could not see myself not being a Division I varsity athlete. There is something about pushing your body as hard as it will possibly go and then asking for more that gets me up every morning.

How much of your success comes from mental toughness and how much comes from physical preparedness?
I think mental toughness plays a huge role in the success of our team. I think when you work as hard as we do the physical preparedness is a given. We know we are physically prepared because of the work ethic we have built into this team. The mental game is important so that you are able to work up to your full physical potential. I think our team has made amazing strides in winning the mental game.

What were your feelings after the races against Miami?
Like I said before, I am just really excited to row to our potential and excited to see where that is going to take us. Knowing we have so much more speed inside us and working together to get faster is motivating.

Tell me what you love about this sport:
I love the complete team unity that you don't get with any other sports. Coming from a more individual sport before rowing, it was a big change to realize how important the trust and belief you have to have in all of your teammates because it takes each one of you working together to make a boat move. I also love how we are all such different individuals, but we have found respect and faith in each other through rowing. We depend on each other despite our differences and we have created an amazing bond as a team.

What has been the greatest experience for you as a Clemson rower?
I have had many great experiences throughout my time as a Clemson rower. I think one of the most rewards aspects has been being able to represent Clemson through athletics. Being able to travel all over the US and represent our school is something I will always take with me. There is definitely something about how we do things in Clemson that you don't find anywhere else and it is awesome to be a part of that.