RCW: SAAC Spotlight: Angie Allen

In this week’s issue of Rock Chalk Weekly, KU Leads sits down with Angie Allen, a current member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representing the rowing team.

• Why did you choose to play your sport at KU?
  I had no experience rowing in high school. I played basketball, volleyball and ran some track, so I really just played everything. KU approached me and was like, “Hey, you are strong and pretty tall for a girl. We will pay for your school if you come row for us.” I just said I have no idea how to row and they just said they would teach me. The rest is history. Rowing gave me the opportunity to come to an amazing institution and also continue to be competitive. It has definitely been one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
• What about SAAC excites you the most?
  This year I think SAAC has taken a huge leap forward when it comes to providing opportunities for student-athletes. This year we have also placed an increased emphasis on making sure that the student-athlete voice is heard not only at the Big 12 Conference level, but also at the NCAA level.
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  I hope that 10 years from now I am working in collegiate athletics, giving student-athletes the same advice and confidence that I am receiving now from the KU Leads program.
• Who is the person that you look up to the most?
  The person I look up to the most is my mom. She has been an amazing role model for my brothers and me growing up. My father coached collegiate football at the Division I level for 35 years and she was always right there, rolling with the punches. She was there when things were not so good and always humble when the times were good. That is how I want to live my life.
• What is your favorite thing about your sport?
  My favorite thing about my sport, rowing, is the relationships that I have built with the girls on my team. Rowing is the ultimate team sport and there are no superstars. So, knowing that every girl is not doing it for their own glory, but really trying to push the whole team to go faster, is awesome.
• What are your goals for SAAC this year?
  My goal for SAAC this year is to increase the bonds between student-athletes on different teams. I also want increase participation in community events by all student-athletes.
• What does being a Jayhawk mean to you?
  Being a Jayhawk to me means always giving 100% effort in all aspects of life and making sure to always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. I am proud to call myself a Jayhawk.