2008 ACC Rowing Championship Photos (Available for Purchase)
Junior Jessica Leidecker is a key part of the successful Clemson varsity 8+ boat that made the NCAA Championship for the first time in the program's history. Leidecker - a 2008 All-ACC selection and first team South region honoree - took a few minutes to chat with theACC.com about her rowing career and expectations for this weekend's NCAA competition.
How and when did you get into rowing?
I started rowing my ninth grade year (of high school). My older sister started rowing when she entered high school, so of course I wanted to follow everything that my sister did. My sister learned about it because my uncle rowed for Boston University.
What other teams have you competed on leading up to your college career?
The team I rowed with in high school was a club team. It was three high schools that came together. We rowed against (nearby clubs), went up to Cincinnati and also to West Virginia.
What is the best advice you have received from a coach?
Coach Ruggieri always quotes, "Keep it simple." I think that's good advice - to not overthink anything because when you overthink something, you start to question yourself. If you believe in yourself and your team believes in you, you can go far.
Who is your most influential role model?
I don't know if there's one person. I would say my team. My boat is very inspiring to me because we all support each other and we're like sisters.
What is your most memorable moment in sports?
I would say the semifinals at the South/Central regional this year. We came in second to Virginia, and beat Wisconsin, Tennessee and Ohio State, so it was very exciting. (Also) finding out that we made NCAAs for the first time! After the semis, we knew we definitely had a chance to make NCAAs and that's something our program has been fighting for ever since it started.
What is your personal greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
Making the NCAAs as a boat. I don't know if that's personal, because it's a boat thing. Perhaps how far I've come on the erg this year.
What is your favorite aspect of rowing?
Because it's a teamwork sport, we are all very close. Even though we get up at 5:30 in the morning, when the water's flat, the sun's rising and we're having a great practice, it's worth it.
What is the most challenging aspect of rowing?
It's a teamwork sport, so that can be challenging. It can be good and bad - we have to all be on the same page. And 5:30 wake-up calls! (laughs) Actually, I'd answer this question differently. Being a student-athlete is extremely hard, having to get up at 5:30 in the morning and balancing tests and schoolwork with rowing.
What helps you balance the schoolwork and competition?
I learned how to do it. My freshman year was really difficult with learning time management, but I have gotten better at it. There are a lot of other girls who have to do the same exact thing, so you can't complain because everyone's in the same boat so to speak!
What are your thoughts heading into the NCAA Championship?
We are all very excited to be the first Clemson boat to make NCAAs. Our coach tells us to be humble and hungry, and I think we are very hungry to go against other teams that we're equal with - that we would never consider ourselves equal with before. We have a chance to perform really well and we're all excited to put Clemson on the map.
Why did you choose to attend Clemson?
I wanted to go to a place that didn't necessarily have a name in rowing. I wanted to go to a place where I could make a difference, where I would be one of nine people who could take it to the NCAAs. I feel like I've definitely made my goal and made the right decision. I am extremely happy with our program, our coaches and my teammates, and I feel like I have been able to make a difference in the program.
What do you still hope to accomplish in your Clemson career?
We made NCAAs as a boat this year, next year we'd like to make it as a team. I'd like to be a Top 10 school. We're ranked 12th right now and I think we can be Top 10 after this weekend.
Do you have any plans yet for after graduation?
I would like to go to U23s next summer, which is nationals. Maybe someday I will become a rowing coach. I'd still like to continue my rowing career with the Olympics if that's a possibility. Right now that seems far-fetched, but I always want to keep that in the back of my mind and keep trying for it. I'm planning on coaching at Clemson after my senior year, which I'm really excited about, too. I just can't give up rowing! (laughs)
Jessica Leidecker and the Tigers opened competition at the NCAA Championship in Gold River, Calif., on Friday morning. The NCAA Championship runs from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1.
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