MIAMI, FL – Miami most probably conjures up visions of South Beach, which is convenient given the University of Miami's boathouse is literally across the street. "Recruits can be distracted by the glitz and excitement of the college environment," says new head coach Andrew Carter, who arrived at the program from Clemson last fall. "We have dolphins and palm trees while another school may have an incredible, historic boathouse but it shouldn't be about that."
"it's about how sport-smart kids are.."
For Carter, "it's about how sport-smart kids are – it doesn't even need be a rowing kid, it could be a swimmer. They just need to want to be sport-smarter. This is not the Borg," he laughs, referencing a Star Trek society that forcibly assimilates humans to control them.
"I think when students are researching their college/rowing options, they should consider what sort of growth they will experience in the particular environment. They need to know themselves first and have a good sense of what sort of environment will best promote their development. At the same time, students need to understand that, once in college, they must invest in the process if they want to succeed."
"They need to know themselves first and have a good sense of what sort of environment will best promote their development."
Carter's approach to his craft is clear when he describes his system at Miami and there is no question that students will be challenged under his tutelage. "I work to ensure the very latest understanding of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and motor control are applied to our rowing program. Our sport performance staff, our sport medicine staff, our academic support staff, and our administrative team do all they can to set our students up for success. The only way this Institutional investment can have any effect is if we create a roster of students who are just as committed to excellence."
At the end of the day, Carter is looking for students who will help him build the program into a NCAA grand final contender. "It's our goal to have this program be a national contender every year and there is no question that these qualities will contribute to achieving that," he says. "Leaders – we're looking for leaders – kids with vision who will have an impact on our program, on our campus, and on the world."
"Leaders – we're looking for leaders – kids with vision who will have an impact on our program, on our campus, and on the world"
The season concluded this year at the Aramark South-Central Sprints.
