Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Nova Southeastern University assistant rowing coach Lauren Spinka recently sat down with NSUSharks.com for a quick question and answer session.

Click HERE to view bio.

Q: What area are you looking to improve to this year’s team?

A: I want to help the team qualify to race in the NCAA Championships this year, and be competitive in the running for the team all points trophy there.

Q: How do you mentally train a member of the rowing team?

A: Rowing is a training oriented sport; you can only reach your potential when you can be motivated to train the hardest you can for the entire season. I meet with each of the freshman rowers individually and outline their short and long term goals for the season, so they can be mentally prepared to execute their game plan each practice. I also challenge the girls with different drills in the boat that require mental and physical coordination.

Q: What is your main focus coming into the season?

A: Personally, I want to be able to grow in my knowledge of building and running a program at the NCAA level. For the team, my main focus is facilitating team cohesion and the space for each athlete to realize her full potential.

Q: What is your philosophy as a coach?

A: I believe that each athlete should be treated with respect and consideration; that motivation and the unequivocal belief that one can be the best and reach the maximum potential are some of the biggest determinants of future success in this sport; toughness, determination, and commitment are keys to success in life and in rowing; and that the challenges you face being a part of a rowing team mirror many of the challenges you face in life as an adult in the working world.

Q: How does Division I compare to Division II?

A: The amount of coaches on the coaching staff, different level of competition at races

Q: Is it important to be able to relate to today’s student-athlete to be able to get an understanding of who you are dealing with?

A: Yes, to be able to understand each athlete’s unique position as a college student can significantly help the coach in terms of finding unique and effective ways to communicate and motivate that athlete and further enhance their performance capabilities.

Q: How important is it to recruit in-state?

A: Although it is certainly not hard to pitch the idea of year round sunshine and the fact that our bodies of water don’t freeze to kids from the northeast, I think it is important to recruit in state simply in terms of the ease of that student’s transition to college.

Q: When you are not coaching what keeps you busy?

A: Watching Gator Football ;) Going to the beach, basically hanging out by the water ?

Q: When the dust settles and you finally have time for yourself, what is the first thing you are going to do for you?

A: WORK OUT!!!!

Spinkas’ Favorites
Food: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Cuisine: Italian
Color: Orange and Blue ? or Pink
Sport outside of rowing: Basketball (March Madness)
Professional Athlete: Peyton Manning
Destination: Maui, Hawaii
TV Show: don’t watch much
Movie: Pride and Prejudice
Type of Music: Jay-Z and old school rap….but to be more P/C: Classic Rock and Roll
Book: Jane Eyre