Before coming to Nebraska, Alanna Snyder had never set foot in a rowboat.
A senior mechanical engineering major and former multisport athlete, Snyder arrived at the university looking for a competitive outlet — something to take her mind off her demanding coursework. When she learned about the Nebraska Rowing Club, she contacted its president and decided to attend a practice.
She hasn’t looked back since. One stroke at a time, Snyder has gone from a beginner to a two-time national medalist and co-president of the club.
“Rowing is a time when I get to go to practice and then not think about anything besides, ‘How many strokes am I taking? How long do I have to be in this boat? How long is this workout?’” she said. “I feel so present — there’s no time to think about calculus while you’re in a boat.”
