Eastern Michigan Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Jennifer Bucci, Rowing
5/12/2020 4:15:00 PM | Women's Rowing, General
EMU Athletics will recognize and share stories of the Class of 2020
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Graduate student Jennifer Bucci (Toronto, Ontario-Bishop Allen Academy) has embodied the phrase "team player" over her five years at Eastern Michigan, competing in the First, Second, Third, and Novice four and eight boats in her career. As a member of the First Varsity Eight in 2018, Bucci aided EMU to a sixth-place mark at the Head of Hooch, Nov. 3, notching a program-best finish at the event. She has also been a member of the Third Varsity Eight boat that secured a first-place effort in the B final at the 2019 Mason Invitational, April 14, and First Varsity Four that took second place at the 2017 MACRA Championships, April 30.
In recognition of her time as an Eagle, Bucci penned a letter to her adopted sport. She began, "To say the least, Eastern Michigan University has become a true home away from home for me these past 5 years. I have experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs which I wouldn't trade for the world. Initially, I chose EMU because it gave me the best opportunity to continue my athletic career at a high level while furthering my education. As a baseball player all my life, I had A LOT to learn after signing to row for the Eagles. I had no idea what I was really in for. In baseball my running consisted of 90 feet to the bases and our team conditioning. After coming to EMU in the fall of 2015 though, I quickly learned just how much more running I'd be doing over the years. If we aren't rowing, we're usually running at our practices. I realized early on if I wanted to make it anywhere on this team I had to embrace the suck and learn to love the process! That is just one of the many lessons that I've had the privilege of learning and one that carries over into my daily life.
Not only did I have to adapt to the demands of our sport and training though, but also being away from home and a new lifestyle in general. Being from Canada, I miss home and my family. I will be forever grateful to the EMU community for welcoming me into the Eagle family and supporting me so much. I have forged some truly great friendships throughout this crazy journey, made memories to last a lifetime and learned lessons that will never be forgotten.
Some of my fondest memories as an Eagle are out on Ford Lake with my teammates before the sun even comes up. Having the opportunity to see the passion and dedication of fellow athletes on other teams as well, and train along side them are memories I truly cherish. Surrounded by the phrase "Champions Train Here" at our practice facilities, this is something I hold very close to my heart. I am most grateful for the opportunity to be around such like minded individuals as we all work toward a common goal of honoring our department and institution. Being an Eagle to me, means calling each other up, not out, and I am thankful to be held to such a standard. Winning the Lombardi Leadership Award in our Athletic Department last spring has also been an honor and highlight that I carry with me every day, trying to continue to embody those principles everywhere I go.
I graduated in the spring of 2019 with a double major in Psychology and Public Relations, minoring in Communications and am now pursuing a Masters in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Eastern Michigan has provided me the opportunity to grow in both my athletics as well as academics which have overall contributed to my personal growth. The trials and tribulations I have faced these past 5 years have extended far beyond the classroom, training room or practice facilities. The constant in all of it though, has been the personal strength that my sport has taught me as well as support that EMU has given me. With a double medical redshirt, I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to return as an Eagle for another year this fall and compete along side my teammates."
Bucci is a three-time CAA Commissioner's Honor Roll selection, and earned her bachelor's degree in 2019. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in human resouces and organizational development.
In recognition of her time as an Eagle, Bucci penned a letter to her adopted sport. She began, "To say the least, Eastern Michigan University has become a true home away from home for me these past 5 years. I have experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs which I wouldn't trade for the world. Initially, I chose EMU because it gave me the best opportunity to continue my athletic career at a high level while furthering my education. As a baseball player all my life, I had A LOT to learn after signing to row for the Eagles. I had no idea what I was really in for. In baseball my running consisted of 90 feet to the bases and our team conditioning. After coming to EMU in the fall of 2015 though, I quickly learned just how much more running I'd be doing over the years. If we aren't rowing, we're usually running at our practices. I realized early on if I wanted to make it anywhere on this team I had to embrace the suck and learn to love the process! That is just one of the many lessons that I've had the privilege of learning and one that carries over into my daily life.
Not only did I have to adapt to the demands of our sport and training though, but also being away from home and a new lifestyle in general. Being from Canada, I miss home and my family. I will be forever grateful to the EMU community for welcoming me into the Eagle family and supporting me so much. I have forged some truly great friendships throughout this crazy journey, made memories to last a lifetime and learned lessons that will never be forgotten.
Some of my fondest memories as an Eagle are out on Ford Lake with my teammates before the sun even comes up. Having the opportunity to see the passion and dedication of fellow athletes on other teams as well, and train along side them are memories I truly cherish. Surrounded by the phrase "Champions Train Here" at our practice facilities, this is something I hold very close to my heart. I am most grateful for the opportunity to be around such like minded individuals as we all work toward a common goal of honoring our department and institution. Being an Eagle to me, means calling each other up, not out, and I am thankful to be held to such a standard. Winning the Lombardi Leadership Award in our Athletic Department last spring has also been an honor and highlight that I carry with me every day, trying to continue to embody those principles everywhere I go.
I graduated in the spring of 2019 with a double major in Psychology and Public Relations, minoring in Communications and am now pursuing a Masters in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Eastern Michigan has provided me the opportunity to grow in both my athletics as well as academics which have overall contributed to my personal growth. The trials and tribulations I have faced these past 5 years have extended far beyond the classroom, training room or practice facilities. The constant in all of it though, has been the personal strength that my sport has taught me as well as support that EMU has given me. With a double medical redshirt, I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to return as an Eagle for another year this fall and compete along side my teammates."
Bucci is a three-time CAA Commissioner's Honor Roll selection, and earned her bachelor's degree in 2019. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in human resouces and organizational development.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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