Alexandra Coultrup '11 Recruiting Profile

As a Transfer student, I am looking for a college that I can move to which will meet my educational as well as athletic needs. After graduating from High School in 2011 with a 3.8 GPA, I spent my freshman year of College at Concordia University in Irvine, Where I took 17 and 18 units during the two semesters, earned a 3.8 in addition to multiple extra-curricular activities, including my 25-hr/week job. During my time at Concordia University, I participated in no school sports.

After that, my last two years have been spent at Orange Coast College, the only junior college in the nation with a competitive rowing program. In the spring of 2014, I will gain my Associate of Arts degree, and be fully prepared to transfer and start the next chapter of my education in the fall of 2014. I am excited that even after three years of college and taking far more than a full course load each semester, my GPA is still high - currently I hold a 3.6! 

I continue to earn high grades, and see this new step in my life as a student-athlete as yet another life experience in which I can prove my capabilities. To me, grades are more important than just keeping up the GPA. The education that I have the privilege to obtain, I want to truly understand and keep with me. Academics are crucial to me.

Having been homeschooled throughout High School, I learned self-motivation and how to manage my own schedule. What I loved about homeschooling was that it gave me the freedom to pursue excellence in my studies as well as in "real life." During high school, I had the liberty to take over 9 units at the Coast Community Colleges in addition to fulfilling my graduation requirements. Because of these experiences, I know that I was well-prepared to succeed in college.

Wherever I study, I will learn with passion.

I am an achiever. In five adjectives, I am could be defined as Determined, Loyal, Insightful, Energetic, and Focused.

This is why I spend my school breaks with the Southern California Scullers Club. When most other athletes are using vacation time to forget conditioning and eat cookies, I keep myself busy on the water. I joined the So Cal Scullers in the summer of 2013, practicing on the water 5 days a week even while taking 3 classes and working 30 hours per week. Over winter break 2013, I spent 6 mornings a week sculling with them and honing my technique. I truly believe that my experience sculling has taught me the most about boat feel, understanding how to move a boat, and really falling in love with the sport all over again. As a lightweight, I know that it's important to be as efficient as possible, putting in the maximum power per stroke in relation to every pound.

As a rower, I believe that what makes a difference is putting in the hours. Because of this, I often return to my boathouse for extra time on the water during the afternoons once class is over. Even over winter and summer break, in addition to taking out a single and sculling nearly every day, and I find time to put in distance pieces on the erg. I am committed to keeping up good technique so I can flow with the other rowers in any boat. To me, that is what makes the difference: being able to know a boat well enough to feel its flow and to feel my teammates. 

My declared major is Communications. I am passionate about connecting with people around the world, and hope to study with an emphasis in Intercultural relations or PR.

My Career Dream is to be a pilot for United or Delta Airlines, and I know how to get there. By pursuing my bachelor's degree in Communications with an Intercultural Relations emphasis, I am setting myself up for success in the competitive and professional world of commercial aviation. In addition to completing my AA degree at Orange Coast College by the spring of 2014, I will have completed over 50% of the Aviation Program. I am excited to return and complete the program after gaining my bachelor's degree. At this point, I'll be able to apply for a career with the prominent air carriers.

Athletically, my dreams see absolutely no limits. I am in love with rowing, no questions asked. I make a point of never missing practice, paying close attention to coaching, and showing up at the boathouse on my own time for additional workouts. Being on the water is beautiful to me. Some days, our novice team practices during a different time slot than my varsity team, our novice coach has been gracious to let me ride the launch with him and assist with coaching the novices. Seeing the rowers from this perspective has made me aware of my own stroke in the eight and contributed to my focus when on the water during practice.

I am lightweight, but that does not limit my ability to move a boat on the water. 

Because I am a sculler as well, I know how to feel a boat. I know how to understand the movement of the water running beneath me, how to feel the run of the single, how to attack the foot stretchers on the legs, and then open and finish with powerful send. Even after college is behind me, I want to row forever. I plan on continuing to train with the Southern California Scullers Club as long as I am in the area, and always be part of a team that pushes me athletically. Rowing is a rush of adrenalin, and it is therapeutic in a world that is too fast and too filled with unnecessary anger and stress.