April 5, 2012
The Off the Water series provides a “Getting To Know” piece on members of the University of Notre Dame rowing team in an effort to share with the fans details of what makes each of the athletes who they are outside the realm of competition.
Kelsey Haddad is in her third year with the Irish program. The Berwyn, Pa., native enters her second year as a mainstay in the second varsity eight boat and recently was part of the Irish crew selected as BIG EAST Boat of the Week. Here is a chance to get to know Kelsey Haddad:
What stood out to you about Notre Dame that helped you know this was the place you wanted to attend?
“You only get to go to college for four years of your life and I wanted to go somewhere that would give me a true college experience. Oh, and I love football.”
When not rowing or taking care of schoolwork, what is the one thing you enjoy doing with your free time?
“I enjoy watching TV and eating.”
What is the most peaceful place to go on campus?
“I would say probably my bed.”
What is the best place to eat on campus?
“The best place to eat is definitely Waddick’s, I love their baked potatoes, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.”
What is the greatest thrill about rowing for the Irish?
“The most rewarding thing is getting to see the Notre Dame emblem on the back of the person in front of you in the boat and know you too are wearing that emblem. It means a lot to be part of the tradition.”
What is the most rewarding thing to you about rowing, in general?
“The most rewarding thing about rowing in general is that while you may strive to reach personal goals and push yourself, in the end it takes nine people working in unison to win a race. I always pull harder for my boat than for myself, and I think that is what sports should be all about: striving to become a part of something better than yourself.”
What makes the group of girls on this team special?
“What makes them special is that they are my teammates, they are the people I spend 20 hours a week with, know everything about, and can still stand to be around. I say that makes them pretty special.”
Was there any one person who was inspirational/motivational to you being where you are today and if so what was the best piece of advice they offered up to you?
“Probably my mom because she is a genius and taught me that while life can be serious you need to make sure what you do makes you happy and you enjoy your life.”
If you had to choose between watching your favorite movie or listening to your favorite CD which would you choose and why?
“I would watch `Remember the Titans’ because the movie is amazing and so is the music. “
Growing up, and maybe even still today, what was the one type of cereal that you had to have and why?
“I had to have mini wheats. I’m not really sure why, but I loved them.”
If you were trapped on an island, what are the three things that you would need to have with you and why?
“I would want my computer with a battery that never dies and a good internet connection, Ryan Gosling, and a special ops person to find me food, make me a shelter and get me off the island.”
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
“I would choose George Washington, Beyonce, and Roald Dahl. I would choose George Washington because he was an amazing leader, Beyonce because she is perfect and fierce, and Roald Dahl because he has the best imagination.”
–ND–