Introduction

This project asks: what happens when someone pushes their body to its limits, but their mind begins to fall behind? This capstone is a short story that follows a competitive rower from high school through the college recruiting process, with a primary focus on her experience in college. It explores the mental and emotional challenges that come with the sport. While rowing is often seen as a test of physical strength and discipline, this story looks more closely at the internal side of that experience. The final piece uses narrative storytelling to bring readers into the athlete’s mindset and highlight struggles that are often overlooked.

Literature Review

For scholarly context, research from the National Collegiate Athletic Association shows that student-athletes often experience anxiety, depression, and burnout due to intense pressure and time demands (NCAA). Henrik Gustafsson’s research on athlete burnout further explains how constant stress can lead to emotional exhaustion and a loss of motivation (Gustafsson et al.). These ideas help frame the project by emphasizing that mental health is a major part of the athlete experience, even if it is not always openly discussed.

Methods

This project was developed through a combination of research and personal insight, particularly drawing from experience within the sport. Both creative writing and sports psychology sources were reviewed, and informal conversations were conducted with other rowers about their experiences.In terms of writing style, first-person narration was chosen to create a close connection between the reader and the main character’s thoughts and emotions. The writing process involved multiple drafts, with revisions based on feedback from peers and instructors to improve clarity and emotional impact.

Audience & Impact

This project is intended for both athletes and general audiences, especially young people navigating high-pressure environments. For athletes, the story aims to feel relatable and validating. For non-athletes, it offers insight into the often unseen realities of competitive sports. By presenting the story in an accessible and realistic way, it is designed to connect with a wide range of readers.
The project also reflects growth in both writing and critical thinking, particularly in addressing complex emotional experiences and recognizing the importance of mental health in competitive environments.

References

National Collegiate Athletic Association. Mental Health Best Practices: Inter-Association Consensus Document. NCAA Sport Science Institute, 2020.
Gustafsson, Henrik, et al. “Burnout in Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Review.” The Sport Psychologist, vol. 31, no. 2, 2017, pp. 1–12.

Acknowledgements
Appreciation is extended to a high school coach who encouraged continued involvement in the sport, as well as to past and present teammates. Gratitude is also given to creative writing professors for their guidance in developing strong storytelling skills.