Aschebrock Finds Success Through Adjustments
By Lamarq Caldwell
Quick transitions can often be stressful and many times lead to unsuccessful outcomes. But those who can adjust to sudden change are the ones who can thrive in any situation.
Hurricanes rower Sarah Aschebrock is someone who knows how to turn a sudden change into a great opportunity.
Aschebrock enrolled at the University of Miami in January 2012. As a midyear enrollee, she literally started her college life two weeks after graduating high school. “On one hand, it was good because I never really got out of the school zone,” Aschebrock said.
But adjusting to college life immediately after completing high school was not the only challenge Aschebrock would face. A native of New Zealand, Aschebrock was also facing a sense of culture shock as an international college student moving to a new and unfamiliar city.
Aschebrock was an impact member of the rowing team as a freshman, helping the Hurricanes win the Cal Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic. But she was unfamiliar with the other opportunities and activities the University of Miami had to offer outside of academics and athletics.
Initially a bit timid in her new school and city, Aschebrock took advantage of the freedom of attending a university away from home and focused on herself. Her independence served as the foundation for what has become an outstanding athletic and academic career at the University of Miami.
When describing her time here at UM, Aschebrock related her experience to “progressing steps” in which she kept learning, kept adjusting and kept getting better. She credits the University of Miami with giving her the opportunity to interact with many different people and resources that helped her along her journey.
Aschebrock never felt alone in her time at Miami. Whether it was a coach, a teammate or a staff member, there was always someone there to help guide her. Her first semester, former rowing coach Andrew Carter helped her get her feet wet in a “new world” so to speak. Carter previously coached in New Zealand and was able to understand the cultural adversities she faced on a daily basis.
Another staff member who made a big impact on Aschebrock was Dr. Rob Seifer, Miami’s sports psychologist, who helped Aschebrock understand some of the cultural differences she had been experiencing up to that point.
While several people have helped Aschebrock at Miami, head rowing coach Dave Sanderson indicated that she has been an outstanding example for her fellow student-athletes.
“I think Sarah wants to be great at everything she does, so she puts the time and effort into whatever she does,” Sanderson said. “Just like many individuals involved with UM athletics would conclude about Sarah, she never ceases to amaze whether it’s her school work, training with the team, or being involved heavily with the SAAC.”
Overall, Aschebrock is grateful for all those who have made an impact on her in her time at Miami. She credits them for helping her succeed. She now prides herself on helping her younger teammates, especially the international ones, who are experiencing the same things she once did.
“Everything in athletics is set out to help us, we just have to utilize all of the resources,” Aschebrock said.
In addition to helping her younger teammates, Aschebrock is eager to make an impact on the athletic department and University community. An active member of the UM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Aschebrock has taken on a leadership role in SAAC.
After initially not knowing much about what SAAC did, she attended a meeting and fell in love with what the organization did for student-athletes at Miami. In addition to providing professional development and leadership skills, SAAC is involved in community service. Through SAAC, Aschebrock has learned that being a Miami Hurricane means much more than just representing yourself. You also represent your fellow student-athletes, classmates, alumni and the University community.
As a female athlete, Aschebrock also takes pride in representing strong and empowered women everywhere. The senior from North Shore, New Zealand was honored at UM’s second annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics in January, nearly four years after she arrived at Miami. It was a special moment for Aschebrock, who is proud to be part of the women’s athletics legacy at Miami.
“Women’s sports can be overlooked, so it means a lot that we recognize women’s sports here,” Aschebrock said, “It’s improving with time, it just takes time. Athletics here at UM does a great job supporting women’s sports.”
“We’re really proud of Sarah,” Sanderson said. “She epitomizes what a great student athlete represents.”
Every student athlete is going to experience success and failure, and Sarah has served as a great example that you can deal with these without letting your academics, athletics or life suffer.
Aschebrock is set to graduate in May with a degree in criminology. She does not have a firm plan on what her next step will be, but she would like to continue to travel and teach English in South Korea for a year. She also hopes to one day return to New Zealand and join the police force.
While her plans are uncertain, it’s safe to say Sarah Aschebrock will succeed no matter where she goes.
Aschebrock and fellow seniors Caitlin Lowe, Hannah Nielsen, Joletta Silva, Caitlin White-Parsons, Ally Whitty and Gigi Williamson will race on their home course for the final time this Saturday in a dual regatta against UCF.
For official updates and information please visit our website at HurricaneSports.com or “Like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/canesrowing. You can also “Follow” Miami rowing on Twitter at http://twitter.com/canesrowing. The program is also on Instagram.
