Daphne Heines

Rowing has given me a sense of community that is hard to find outside of the sport world. The friends I have made through this sport have supported me on and off the water. Our team is a club team so we all rely on one another to help get to and from practice and regattas. The sense of community I feel with my team is something I hope to be able to find in college. In addition, rowing has become one of my main "stress relievers". It has helped me build up my mental strength just as much as my physical strength in a way that makes challenges off the water seem less difficult.

On the Field: I always make an active effort to get to know and help younger kids as they join our team. I encourage all of my fellow teammates during erg tests, races, and hard practices. It is very important to me to maintain a positive attitude even when practices are challenging and I hope that that attitude rubs off on those around me. I also take an active part in team fundraisers and events.

Off the field: Leading comes naturally so I tend to "take charge" when opportunities present themselves. In school I help to plan and organize clubs and group projects. I have helped lead my school toward becoming more environmentally sustainable. I was also a part of Camp Green Cove's Aide program where I worked with younger campers to make the most of their summers. Each Aide is given their own cabin to help with when their cabin counselor is on a trip. My cabin was filled with first year campers all around age 10. I was able to help them grow and develop both in specific activities and as young women. They taught me so much about leading and teaching. I also got to teach campers of varying abilities how to canoe and kayak.

As a student athlete I feel it is very important to take care of my mental health just as much as my physical health. I make an effort to eat a meat free diet filled with vegetables and whole grains. I also make sure to stay hydrated, keeping a full, 32 ounce water bottle with me at school, practice, and home. My sophomore year I struggled with balancing my school work along with my rowing schedule, and my grades fell because of it. I also struggled with anemia and fatigue. Since then I have made lifestyles choices that allow me to better mange my time and health, including using set schedules, limiting my phone usage, and taking supplements to help maintain my iron level. I also make sure to get enough sleep each night in order to be as productive during the day as possible.