Student-Athlete Grace Quirk Prioritizes Dedication and Drive

“Someone whose goal is to be a great nurse and who loves competing in their sport will be successful because they’ll be willing to put in the extra work to achieve both,” says junior Grace Quirk. Grace is a Nursing student who competes mostly with the Second Varsity Eight on Villanova’s Division I Women’s Rowing Team. The Wayne, Pa., native, has been named as a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar Athlete (2022-23) and included on the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll (2021-2023), and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (Fall 2021-Spring 2023). Actively involved in student life at Villanova, Grace reflects on her commitment to both her sport and her studies.

Thanks to Grace for sharing her answers with junior nursing student Lauren Casimiro for this Q&A.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR SPORT?

Everything! There is so much to love about rowing from the calm steady state rows where you get to appreciate the sunrise to the fast-paced, high-energy races. It's an amazing sport, and I’ve made some of my closest friends from being on this team, so I am so grateful.

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR SPORT OR HOW YOU PLAY IT?

Most people are very surprised that it's mostly a leg sport! The seats in the boat are on wheels so it's not just arms only, but a whole-body workout.

DESCRIBE THE TIME COMMITMENT.

Pretty busy—we are in season in the fall and spring and practice all winter, as well. Practices are at the river at 5:15 a.m., with “lift” twice a week and secondary on-your-own practices most days. We also have races most weekends, many are in Pa., N.J., N.Y., or Va.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL NURSING STUDENT-ATHLETE?

I think the most important characteristics are dedication and drive. Someone whose goal is to be a great nurse and who loves competing in their sport will be successful, because they’ll be willing to put in the extra work to achieve both.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION AS EITHER AN ATHLETE OR NURSING STUDENT?

Usually, I find inspiration from older rowers who were also nursing majors. When I was recruited one of them reached out and texted me offering to give advice whenever I needed it, and I definitely took them up on it. It is so nice to have a group of alumni who have been through the exact same thing that you can talk to whenever.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR NURSING CAREER?

I am planning on working in an ED or ICU! I love the fast-paced and high-acuity environment. I’m also interested in later going back to school to become a CRNA.