University of Iowa Athletics

Rachel Valentine

Class Fr.
Hometown Centerville, Iowa
High School Centerville
Rachel Valentine - Women's Rowing - University of Iowa Athletics

2016-17 — Appeared in three competitions on the 3V4+ crew… finished sixth (7:41.02) at the Big Ten Championship on May 14… defeated Ohio State in the morning (7:23.30) and afternoon (8:07.30) sessions of the Big Ten Double Dual on April 8… defeated Kansas (7:46.81) in the morning session and Louisville (7:54.37) in the afternoon session of the Double Dual on April 1… helped Iowa to a fifth-place finish (13:34.59) on the V8 “A” crew and finished fifth (13:34.59) on the V4 “A” crew at the Jayhawk Jamboree on Oct. 23.

2015-16… Competed in five races with the 1N8+ crew… helped the 1N8+ crew to first places finishes at the Big Ten/ACC Double Dual (7:17.1), the Big Ten Double Dual (7:00.50), and the Big Ten/Big 12 Double Dual (7:20.370)… placed fourth at the Big Ten Championships (6:48.556)… helped team to a fifth place finish at the Big Ten Championships (95 points)… named to UI’s Spring Dean’s List…letterwinner.

Before Iowa…Varsity letter in softball and track and field all four years… All-academic in softball, track, basketball, and volleyball… received the Bernie Saggau Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association… MVP in track senior year…Lauren Jones was track and field coach, Nic Belloma was softball coach…

Personal… Born on May 19th, 1997 in Corydon, Iowa… daughter of Scott and Tracie Valentine… Business major… Sister, Samantha Valentine, played softball at the University of Iowa.

Why Iowa… I chose to attend the University of Iowa because I knew this college would be my home away from home. The campus is beautiful, and everyone I meet is nice and friendly. I am also a direct admit into the Henry B. Tippie College of Business. I’ve bled black and gold ever since the day I was born, and I knew as soon as I started looking at colleges, I wanted to be a Hawkeye. I only went on one college visit, and it was at Iowa.

My favorite aspect of rowing is… I love that rowing is so different from every other sport I have ever participated in. Rowing is not an individual sport. It is all about team effort and working together. Rowing is exhausting and strenuous, but very rewarding and enjoyable.

What made you want to become a rower… I was very hesitant on trying out for the team from my upcoming class schedule, but I changed my mind at the last second, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’ve never rowed before this year, but I know a few girls who had rowed before and they all said it is well worth it so I thought I would give it my best effort.