ANNA WISOTZKEY
Senior, Class of 2015 at Shorewood High School
When/Why began rowing:
I first did Learn-to-Row the summer of 2011. During the fall and spring of my freshman year I played soccer and I officially began rowing in June 2012. Rowing was different than any other sport I had tried previously (gymnastics, soccer, track & field), and I felt like a valuable member of the team instantly.
Favorite workout (on erg/water/in general):
On the erg, my favorite workouts are mid/long lengths at rates 18-22spm. On the water, my favorite workout is the pyramid from 500m to 2000m and back to 500m on the Menomonee River and through the junction towards the inner harbor. That workout has varying rates and is extremely powerful when a boat is moving well together. We did that workout a few weeks before the National Championships in 2014 and that was when we realized our potential.
Future plans (eg: college, next few years on team):
I do know that I will be going to college next year but I am not sure where just yet. I do hope to continue rowing in college. I realize it might be difficult since I am only 5'3, but I do have options!
Favorite rowing season & why:
Spring racing is my favorite because of the shorter, higher intensity pieces. The ability to have your competition directly next to you brings a new level to the competition because you can hear the other coxswains and can see where your boat stacks up.
What motivates you to work hard?:
I like to think that I am a very motivated person and I try to be proud of everything I do. I also am motivated by my teammates and coaches.
Favorite race and why:
My favorite race was our final race at nationals last year. We spent the first couple days getting a feel for the environment and the competition and on the last day we decided how we would place even before we launched. We decided that we wanted to stay out front for the whole 2k and we did exactly that. I still can remember how great it felt to cross the finish line ahead of all the other crews.
Interests/hobbies outside of practice:
Outside of practice I enjoy staying active. I enjoy running, playing violin and reading. I also spend a lot of time taking photographs around Milwaukee.
Interesting fact about yourself:
I recently won a national art award for my design and it is being displayed in the Milwaukee Art Museum!