Homegrown Hoosier Program Tapping Into In-State Talent
11/19/2020 10:30:00 AM | Women's Rowing
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Incoming freshman Megan Mills has never rowed before.
But it didn't stop her from signing a Division I scholarship to be a part of the Indiana Hoosiers rowing program next season.
A new program called Homegrown Hoosiers, helps to keep Indiana athletes in-state. The Hoosiers, who have competed the last six-straight seasons at NCAA Championships are a program that continues to be on the rise in collegiate women's rowing.
Mills played a variety of sports growing up including cross country, soccer and basketball where she was being pursued by Division I universities for scholarships in the latter two sports.
"Megan is not only a great athlete but also a great person. She pushes her teammates and herself every day on and off the water," assistant coach and novice coach Grace Lindberg said. "She is extremely hardworking and gives all her effort no matter the day or time. She is everything we are looking for in our Homegrown Hoosier. Competitive, positive attitude, great effort and resiliency. It has been awesome to see Megan grow so much in the sport of rowing. That is all we can ask for in our Homegrown Hoosier."
Mills is rowing in the two seat on the
Novice 8 this season
It hasn't been a typical freshman year for Mills, who has had to adapt to being on a varsity sport with COVID-19 precautions in place. In spite of the unusual circumstances, Mills said she has been able to get very close with her new teammates in the few months she's been in Bloomington. She also mentioned that despite the challenges of transitioning to a sport that she's never competed in, being at Indiana has made the process very smooth.
Mills also said her favorite thing about being on the rowing team so far has been being on the water during Saturday morning practices where she gets to see the sun rise.
Assistant coach Katie Bitz, who was at the forefront of the Homegrown Hoosier program during Mills' recruitment, explained it wouldn't be easy but she knew the Pendleton, Ind. native had the skill set it takes to become a competitive rower.
"Overall, what made me pursue the opportunity to join the Rowing team was realizing that it was a very competitive sport that would push me to be the best I can be," Mills said. "Also, IU has the best business school around (Kelley School of Business)."
She said when she started to take a look at the Indiana rowing program, she saw a sense of family who looks out for each other and the drive and determination it takes to get better every day.
Bitz, who is in her third season with Indiana and recently promoted to varsity assistant, said she knew after the first phone call with Mills that she would be right for the program.
Mills during a recent strength & conditioning session.
"Her passion for all the challenges that come with sports was contagious. It was clear she was a leader and had the stats to back up her athleticism. She was very up front about her goals and that she knew the sacrifice and hard work it was going to take to achieve them," Bitz said.
She explained that starting a program like Homegrown Hoosier is vital to a sport that relies heavily on walk-ons. The program, who is under 18th year head coach Steve Peterson, knows that Indiana has a lot of athletic talent in-state and they wanted to find a way to tap in to it.
With little opportunity to get involved in rowing in a landlocked state like Indiana, Bitz noticed that high school athletes in this state carry a unique sense about them – pride. She has noticed that Indiana athletes take pride in being from the Hoosier state and have a strong desire to compete at the next level – no matter what sport they are competing at.
Think you know a current high school athlete who fits the criteria? We are asking high school athletic directors and coaches in Indiana to help us spread the word of this opportunity to our high school female athletes. We are looking for your best athletes who fit the criteria listed below. Freshman through senior classes are all welcome.
Athlete criteria:
Athletes range from 5'9 – 6'2 and between 150-190 pounds.
Athleticism: power-endurance
Personality: Grit, internally motivated, competitive, great teammate
Athletes can apply here Coaches and athletic directors can apply here
