In high school I dabbled with track and cross country but I hadn't joined soon enough. Everyone else had been doing it since seventh grade and I was a sophomore going into track and a junior going into cross country. I always regretted not joining sooner because trying to run so late in my school career meant ankle sprains, shin splints and knee problems. I was forcing myself to do more than my body was used to.

Going into college, I wanted nothing to do with sports and was especially not going to just walk on to the cross country or track team. I was perfectly fine just being an academics nerd who found her fitness niche at the school gym.

During the first week, my roommate told me all about the Crew team. Rowing was something I had always known about but never thought I could do on a team. I went to the gym with her to learn how to erg and agreed to go to the interest meeting for the team.

It was a little scary going to the meeting and seeing all the varsity members with their muscular legs when I hadn't seen defined muscles in mine since junior year. They were all very nice and explained everything to us including techniques and form, payment for novice and varsity, and need to know info for the season. I was excited but still very intimidated.

For the first few weeks, it was a tiny bit boring because we weren't on the water yet. It was still fun, however, getting up way early to go run and exercise with the team to get us used to the physical requirements for rowing. You needed as much leg strength as you could get in order to power through in the boat. I got to know everyone over parties, get-togethers and early morning work-outs.

The first time we got on the water, I was terrified to get in the boat. You had to lower yourself a certain way so as not to damage any of the equipment and, of course, not flip the boat or let an oar smack someone in the face. I had always loved the water growing up though, and the anxiety I was feeling soon turned into intense excitement.

We sucked the first time. I'll admit. But after we had a few practices, I started to get my technique down. "Rowers to the catch, legs bent, arms straight. Push your legs hard, pull the handle to the bottom of your sports bra, and straighten your arms out. Don't bend your knees until your arms reach past them. Feather your oar at your ankles to get ready for the next stroke." It was a huge mental process that now comes easily and is only in my subconscious. The rest of me concentrates on power.

I still have a ton to work on but I plan on being on this team for the long haul. Joining a club team is great because you can join with no prior experience. Yes, you may have to pay a little, but that's because it's mostly student led, meaning that you and your peers are working together to succeed. Your coaches are probably going to be alumni and previous rowers who rowed on the same team (seriously, my coach is twenty-two and rowed with a few of our athletes). Instead of being left out because of your team ranking, you're a family on a club team. Your athletic ability will not affect how others see you. They may get very annoyed if you don't try, though, but as long as you're pushing yourself, they'll be able to tell and will help you succeed.

Joining a club team was my best decision and I highly recommend for everyone to look into what your school has to offer. NCAA teams were definitely not my thing and I was not experienced enough for a lot of sports that involved a ball. After my first season on the crew team, I have blisters covering my hands and sore legs the day after regattas, but I really wouldn't have it any other way.