Casey Sicuso '21 Recruiting Profile

I want to play a sport in college because I love being a part of a team and genuinely enjoy the physical and mental challenges of athletics. Rowing has taught me how to break through mental barriers (in all areas of my life), give up selfish wants for a larger whole, be a real friend and teammate, and lead and support others. My goal is simply to continue learning and growing in this way throughout college, never allowing myself to settle for mediocrity but pushing myself to reach my full academic and athletic potential.

People generally describe me as the "quiet determination" at the back of the boat. I think my biggest strength is that inner stubbornness that allows me to fight - not for rewards or attention - but simply because I want to contribute and challenge my own mental and physical strength. I love how that individual passion is made so much greater when working hand in hand with others. Another major strength is well-rounded athleticism. I was a swimmer for seven years before I started rowing, and still love to swim in my free time. I ran cross country sophomore year to help cross-train, and challenged myself by keeping up with the varsity girls. I run often to clear my mind, or when I can't swim or row.

My daily goal at school is to apply the lessons I've learned from sports to academics and other pursuits. Academics are a priority for me, and I've become a leader on campus in multiple ways (starting a club, working as a peer mentor, etc). I also try to help spread the joy I find in sports by working with handicapped children and adults. The highlight of my week is helping out with adaptive swimming and/or rowing. I love rowing also for the lessons it teaches me in the long run, and for the platform it gives me to help others.