By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
2023 Holtville graduate Caroline Hickey was used to being busy with sports. In high school, Hickey played club soccer in the Fall, and at the conclusion of that she immediately transitioned to school soccer in the spring. When her senior soccer season ended, Hickey found herself in an unfamiliar position with plenty of time on her hands. When Holtville Athletic Trainer Samantha Yates suggested Hickey try out rowing, the senior jokingly agreed that she would. “We joked about it for a week or so,” Hickey said, “and one afternoon I just filled out the questionnaire and forms for tryouts (at the University of Alabama) and once I got to campus I went to the meeting and then started the tryout process!”
Having played soccer competitively for years and coming from an athletic background, Hickey was able to make the transition to the sport of rowing. She quickly learned the physical challenges facing athletes. “Rowing is a sport that requires a lot of strength, especially when you’re 5’3 rowing a boat with girls that are 5’9 – 6’2. It can be challenging sometimes to keep up, so strength is definitely something that helps a lot with that.”
While the physical challenges are difficult, the Holtville graduate and current Alabama rower believes that the toughest aspect of the sport is the mental aspect. “Rowing is a sport that is all mental. You have to learn to push your limits, but also know them. Understand that your body can do much more than you think.”
Hickey credited her teammates at Alabama and the coaching staff for their help during her freshman season. “My teammates are such a blessing, and I wouldn’t want to do this journey without them. It’s a team sport that requires everyone who is on the boat. I feel like that really brings us together. We are all working toward the same goal, which encourages all of us to push each other. The coaches know what they’re talking about. They give us feedback daily. They push us to be better, which makes training not only a workout, but a learning experience.
And while only upperclassmen are allowed to travel to away competitions, the freshman made the most of the opportunity she had to compete in a race in Tuscaloosa, helping the team to a first-place finish in the 6K and 2K race. As a result of her progress and success, Hickey was named the Freshman of the Year for the University of Alabama Rowing Team.
The Holtville graduate credits her work ethic and family and friends for her success so far at Alabama. “My mom, dad, and community around me definitely have made me who I am today. I am so thankful to be surrounded by all of the people in my life and wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I do feel like my work ethic and mindset also make me successful.”
Hickey singled out Athletic Trainer Samantha Yates for the role she has had in her development. It all started when Hickey took a Sports Medicine class in her sophomore year at Holtville. She enjoyed the class so much she took two more classes. Hickey shadowed Yates on the sidelines at football games, and any other sporting event when she was not playing soccer. “Sam poured into me so much and has had a huge impact on me. It was then I realized I wanted to be like Sam. If I could have at least half of the impact on just one person like she had on me, I would be just fine.”
Hickey also credited Yates with giving her the encouragement to go outside of her comfort zone to attend the University of Alabama. “Once it was time to decide where to go for college, I was very timid. She helped me understand that I needed to experience something other than Slapout. Every time I doubted myself about going, she always gave me the look. If you know Sam, you know what I’m talking about. But it showed she cared and wanted to see me do big things. Looking back now, I couldn’t be more grateful for that encouragement.”
Hickey will be interning at Holtville High School this summer before returning to the University of Alabama at the beginning of August. During her sophomore season, she will start an internship with the University of Alabama Baseball team. Hickey’s academic goal is to get a master’s degree in athletic training.
