Izzy Ross isn’t just another college student; she’s a multifaceted leader making waves in both interior architecture and rowing. After finishing her finals for the spring semester, she’s now in Sarasota, Florida, not to show off her latest furniture projects, but to support the Kansas State women’s rowing team competing in the Big 12 Championship on Sunday.
The Wildcats are facing challenges head-on. After graduating 14 seniors last year, the team is adjusting to a youth movement, with eight more seniors leaving this spring. Yet, Izzy believes in their potential.
“Our core values are what keep us going: unity, intentionality, integrity, humility, and positivity,” she says. These aren’t just words for the team; they’re guiding principles that help them navigate tough practices and competitions.
Recently, the Wildcats showed their growth by winning four out of five races at the Creighton Duel. A couple of weeks before that, three of their boats medaled at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship. It’s a far cry from where they started the season at the Hornet Invitational in Sacramento.
“This year really highlights the idea of being an underdog,” Izzy notes. Adjusting to a new head coach and a roster full of inexperienced members has been tough but rewarding. “As upperclassmen, we’re stepping up to mentor the younger members.”
Izzy’s journey to rowing wasn’t typical. A torn ACL and meniscus sidelined her for her entire freshman year. “People thought I wouldn’t stick with it,” she recalls. “But being part of an underdog team like ours has taught me to push through doubt and prove others wrong.”
Her achievements off the water are impressive, too. Alongside being a two-time recipient of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Izzy has earned scholarships, produced graduate-level research, and is gearing up for an internship with a design firm in St. Louis, focusing on healthcare spaces.
Balancing sports and academics is a tightrope walk, but Izzy has always thrived on structure—earning a 4.0 GPA in high school while juggling two sports. “Time management is key,” she explains.
Much of her drive comes from her mother, Liz, a source of inspiration and resilience. “She works hard, and that motivates me,” Izzy shares. With her mother’s influence, she strives to impact those around her positively.
In her role as a leader on the rowing team, Izzy’s approach is to lead by example. “Earning trust is important,” she states. As she reflects on her journey, she recognizes that giving more of herself—whether in workouts, studies, or helping others—is crucial.
As the team heads into the Big 12 Championship, Izzy is ready to put her training to the test in a four-person boat. “Racing for seven minutes at maximum effort is exhilarating,” she says. “Crossing the finish line brings an incredible sense of achievement.”
The determination of Izzy Ross and her teammates embodies the spirit of resilience, making the upcoming championship a pivotal moment for them all.
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