UCF sophomore coxswain Katherine Kutash will be providing a behind-the-scenes look into the Knights varsity rowing team each week on the KnightLines blog with "Kat Out of the Bag". 

By Kat Kutash

This week, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with two very important members of the UCF women's rowing team: captains Camille Everett and Calena Illan.  Everett is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major from Queens, NY. Illan is a junior from Orlando, FL majoring in Psychology. Both rowed in UCF's Varsity 8 last spring. Camille and Calena are two of the most competitive and charismatic athletes I have ever had the chance to work with and I have no doubt that they will lead us to a great year!

Kat:  How did you get into the sport of rowing?

Illan:  Growing up, my best friend and I were attached at the hip, when we hit high school we were zoned for different schools and wanted to find a middle ground we both could walk on, thankfully that happened to be the Orlando area rowing society. The rest is history really; I fell in love with the sport and got to keep my best friend. Win-win.

Everett: My mom gave me an ultimatum between rowing and the violin.

Kat: What is your best rowing memory?

Illan: My best rowing memory was when my high school eight beat our rival team for the first time, who doesn't love it when the underdog wins? 

Everett: My best rowing moment was getting third in the semifinals at club nationals and beating out CRI.

Kat: What is your favorite class you've taken at UCF so far?

Illan: My favorite class that I have taken at UCF has been Personality Theory and Research with Diane Robinson Ph.D. If you have an interest in psychology, this class is awesome! 

Everett: My favorite class at UCF thus far was Anatomy. I loved learning about the body, but I'm taking SOP 2772 this semester and that will most likely pass the Anatomy class!

Kat: What are you most excited for in the upcoming season?

Illan: I am most excited for conference this year. We have many fresh faces ready to race, and the attitude among the team is so positive. Throughout the year were all going to push each other past our limits and also become a close nit family that by the end of the season I honestly believe we will be a force to be reckoned with. 

Everett:  I'm most excited about the possibility of racing at the San Diego Crew Classic!

Until next time! 

-Kat