SEATTLE – Throughout the summer, the Seattle Pacific sports information team will pose a series of questions to various Falcon athletes. We will feature one athlete each week. This week, it's rower Aleksia Haugen.
 
 
What was the most memorable part of this past season for you? 
"I wouldn't say that there was just one memorable moment from this past season because there were so many. The best part of being in the varsity four was definitely my teammates who were in the boat with me. Even through the lineup changed a lot, everyone was able to bring a new special culture to the boat, and it was so fun to be able to challenge each other as well as our opponents within a sport that we all love."
 

Looking ahead to next season, what are you most excited about? 
Everything! I was a walk-on during my freshman year and knew nothing about rowing, which is why these past two years of rowing have been a huge learning curve for me. Going into junior year, there is so much more to learn, and I could not be more excited to get back into the boat. We also have a really amazing team culture, and I am excited to see how that continues, along with the great things that we will be able to do next year because of that."
 
What are you planning to do this summer – Work? Vacation? Hang out with family? All of the above?  
"I am spending this summer working in a mountain lake town in Idaho with my family. I am majoring in apparel design and merchandising, which is why I am looking forward to being able to work with merchandisers and buyers with some of the clothing stores here. I also used to be a figure skater, so I will be able to spend some time on the ice this summer."
 
What is your favorite summertime way to stay in shape and prepare for next season? 
"Being in Idaho makes it really easy to stay in shape. I love to stay active by going on trail runs and jumping in the lake afterward. Even though I will not be in a rowing boat all summer, one of the most beneficial things that I can do as a coxswain is to spend time studying. Rowing is such an interesting sport, and I have found that the more I read about it, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. I will also have a lot of experience with other boats throughout the summer, which will still allow me to spend time on the water."
 
Growing up, what was your favorite thing to do or what was your favorite place to go during the summer – and why was that your favorite?
"I grew up going to our lake cabin all summer, and spending time on the boat, and in the ice rink. My family is also originally from Minnesota, so we always spend a few weeks in the summer there to visit family. My family would also travel for a few weeks during the summer to different countries, which was my favorite."
 
Someday – maybe sooner, maybe later – what is one place you'd really like to visit, and why that particular place?  
"I love to travel, but my favorite place that I have ever been is the Swiss Alps. Someday soon, I would love to go back because being in Switzerland is what inspired me to start learning French. Now that I can speak it better, I think it would be fun to go back."