April 19, 2010
Junior Katherine Linnemanstons is helping the Irish row to victory. The Mequon, Wis., native has worked her way up from the novice squad in her freshman year to the varsity team in the spring of her sophomore season, when she earned her first monogram. In the fall, Linnemanstons raced at the Head of the Rock regatta, where her eight boat finished in fifth place. Linnemanstons sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about herself.
1. How did you become interested in rowing?
I was told I would be good at it due to my height so when I was cut from basketball I decided to give it a try.
2. Where’s the most exciting place you’ve traveled to?
My two favorite places have been Ecuador, where I went for a service trip in high school, and Spain, where I studied this past summer.
3. What do you do to pass time when you travel with the team?
Homework, movies, and coloring books
4. Who was your role model growing up?
My mom. She was a phenomenal athlete in college so I grew up hearing stories about the adversity she had to overcome- everything from growing up in a small, rural town where no one went to college to debilitating injuries to the men’s refusal to acknowledge the rights of female athletes following Title IX.
5. Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor has been Clive Neal for a geology class. His accent and dry sense of humor make learning about rocks really interesting.
6. What is your major and why did you pick it?
Science-business and Spanish. I picked science-business because I have always been really interested in several aspects of science, but never in going to medical school. The business part will also help when I finally have to get a job. I love the Spanish language and the different cultures associated with it, particularly in the Andes.
7. What advice do you give to freshmen on the team?
Enjoy it and make the most out of every opportunity. Four years goes by so fast.
8. What is the most difficult part of being a student athlete?
There are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything I would like to do. Often I have to say no to different lectures or presentations that I would otherwise go to simply due to practice and homework schedules.
9. What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your career?
Myself. I have had to learn how to control my emotions – whether it is doubt or nerves – to compete at my best.
10. Why did you decide to attend Notre Dame?
It’s the best! I love that it is a nationally-recognized university, but still small enough and close enough to home that I am comfortable. I also love that everywhere I go, people recognize the ND on my clothes. Love it or hate it, people know who we are.
11. Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
For championship races I paint my nails bright pink. The tradition started when I was on the rugby team in high school. We would paint our nails hot pink before nationals. I guess I have just continued it.
12. Which is your favorite dining hall and why?
North. I live in Farley, so it is convenient and feels much more like home.
13. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully happy, healthy, and making a difference in someone’s life.
14. Are you a Mac or PC?
PC.
15. What’s your favorite thing to do when you are at home?
Hang out with my family. My brother graduated from ND in May 2009 and my sister will be a freshman this fall. When we all get together it’s loud and crazy but so much fun.
— ND —