MSU Rowing Community Support by Nicole Allison Marek

Proud of what this team is doing

2018-01-28 18:23:03 UTC

The action of this team has been a light on the darkness surrounding MSU. Your demand for appropriate action, and way you are standing strong for both your current teammates, and the Spartan Rowers that came before you make me proud to be an alum of this team. Wishing you all the best with the meeting with the Board of Trustees.

2018-01-28 18:31:17 UTC

This team's action is a light during the darkness. Thank you for standing up for what is right, for both the current team and the Spartan Rowers that came before you. It makes me proud to be an alum of this group. Seeing you taking campus by storm and meeting with the Board of Trustees, that you have organized and set a list of expectations that I so strongly support, reinforces what another former teammate told me this week, that being a part of this team made us a strong united front. Wishing you all the best.

-Amelia Clary

Proud to be a Spartan rower

2018-01-28 19:19:04 UTC

So proud of what you’re doing. Keep demanding answers, keep asking the tough questions, keep fighting. YOU and other women like you are who will force change. Please know that you are supported by the alumni Spartan women rowers. We’ve got your back. This isn’t an easy journey, but the seeds you’re planting now will lead to the new growth of MSU; a positive culture where people will be held accountable for their actions.

I wish I could be there to make the walk with you tomorrow. I will definitely be there in spirit. Holding virtual hands with my Spartan sisters all the way from California. 💚

Thank You

2018-01-28 19:49:24 UTC

I'm so grateful to Nicole and the rest of the rowing team for not being afraid to take a stand and demand justice and fair treatment from our university. You are a strong group of women who I'm sure will help make meaningful change for yourselves and for future students, and you should hold your heads high knowing that your voices deserve to be heard. I find it hard to have pride in my alma mater during this time, but I am very very proud of Spartans like you.

Thank you

2018-01-28 20:34:56 UTC

You go, girls!

2018-01-28 21:13:32 UTC

Thanks for your commitment to bettering our university.

Proud of you, Ladies.

2018-01-28 22:29:27 UTC

The way that you are choosing to face these issues head on on behalf of current and former MSU rowers is truly an inspiration! You are the embodiment of what it means to be a Spartan, and I am so proud of all of you for standing up and ensuring that your voices are at the forefront of this conversation moving forward. I'll be with you in spirit tomorrow!

Thank you!

2018-01-28 22:49:58 UTC

I am very impressed with your quick action! Good luck tomorrow. Sending strength and unity.

Strength in Numbers

2018-01-28 22:52:19 UTC

As a rower barely into the Title IX era, it pains me that this is still going on and that you all have to keep fighting. At the same time, though, despite the circumstances that bring you together for this walk, I am so proud to have another generation of women supported on my shoulders. Keep fighting the good fight, women! Linda Muri, MIT '85, US Team athlete '91-'00, US Team coach '04-17

Go Green!

hawtho28 — 2018-01-28 23:02:38 UTC

I am so impressed by what you ladies are doing, on and off the water, and the depth of character and compassion you are all showing in spite of the darkness and uncertainty around you. You are the reason I can say Go Green and cheer for MSU on the water, because you are truly embodying what we were all taught to be as Spartan athletes. You are true leaders through your words and actions. I wish I could walk with you tomorrow. I know you will be strong <3

2018-01-28 23:51:03 UTC

Thank you for your bravery!

Proud in what we can become

2018-01-29 00:03:43 UTC

I have had a hard time reconciling my love for my beloved MSU and the possibility that they have let us down for so many years. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I hope and expect our University to become a model for student-athlete reform. I hope you can use your time with the trustees to convey the message that the Spartan community is a strong one, with a resilience not known by many. I hope that our new leadership will make our University a place that other academic institutions look to for examples of strong, student-centered initiatives that respect and protect the individuals it is in place to serve. I will be sending love and guidance to the women representing so many years of athletes; that they will be able to convey a message of unity to the Board, a message of meaningful and positive change with expectations that this kind of tarnish will never again be placed upon the many years of hard work we put in to make MSU a glorious institution of learning, athleticism and personal growth.
-Liz Shuster
1997-2000

Proud Rowing M

2018-01-29 03:51:58 UTC

I am so proud of our MSU Women’s Rowing Team and so sad you have all had to handle all of this right now!
It’s already hard enough to be an elite college athlete! Adding this injustice may be more than anyone can handle! Whether you were personally abused, or an innocent bystander now trying to hold up your betrayed teammates my heart is broken for you!

It feels horrible to be thankful my daughter was spared while other rowers and family’s were not!
My heart and prayers also go out to the Rowing Coaches and Staff-I cannot imagine what they are going through!
God is good no matter what and He knows the pain anyone is carrying! Praying for you all! 🙏🏻😇

Love Mama 🐻 Uebes

#blessedwith3amazing girls!

Go Green!

2018-01-29 15:10:19 UTC

Your thoughtful writing is a shining light in all of this darkness. It gives a path towards not just a better and safer tomorrow for student athletes but also considers a need for reconciliation. You make me proud to be a Spartan. I'll be there with you today!
-Lisa Weise

Proud Alumni

2018-01-29 15:13:06 UTC

So very proud of this team and your courage to change the exposed culture. Thank you for being a shining light through this.

Be the Leaders!

2018-01-29 15:20:09 UTC

Very proud that this team is stepping up into the Leaders that has always been demanded of this group of women. Know that all alumni are with you--and support your push for change.

Be Courageous, Be Fearless, and Call on Us.

2018-01-29 15:36:47 UTC

I'm not always very good at being vocal and I struggle sometimes to accurately explain how I feel. However, I will try.

Being a part of MSU Rowing was hands down one of the most significant things in my life. I thank God and my coaches for allowing me the experience. I have struggled to return to visit because I become emotional in ways are difficult for me to understand. That being said, the women of this team who have touched my life are priceless to me. They have accepted and embraced my oddness, my anxiety, my bumps in the road, along with my love and respect, which is irreplaceable and paramount in my life. The thought that some of them may be struggling with abuse at the hands of someone they should have been able to trust truly breaks my heart.

I have had my own struggles with things different from this, but if there is anything I have learned, it’s this: your team is your family. The bond you build is unbreakable, even when you feel broken. The women who stay close to your life are a part of your heart and soul and will do anything to ease your pain and make you feel loved. The women who may part ways with you, do so out of the necessity and flow of life, not for lack of love or concern.

To the years of women of this tenacious team who I don’t know and all of those who I know and love: we have been strong and resilient throughout the years in a way that connects us all even when we may not know each other. Be courageous, whether in your pain from betrayal, or in your support of your sisters. Be fearless in the face of actions intended to break one’s soul. Call on us. Call on us all to support you when you feel alone. Call on us to support your causes, with this among the others close to your heart. Call on us to step with you and shed light when your path is too dark. Call on us.

~Melissa Meier
2001-2005

2018-01-29 16:07:26 UTC

All of you inspire me during this time and always. Rowing is a sisterhood and you are proving it to MSU and the world. Thank you for representing the past and current rowers. Thank you for working to make changes now and for my children. Let them hear you roar girls💚 You ladies are the reason why I'm proud to be a Spartan.💚

Thank You

2018-01-29 16:19:09 UTC

I think it is important to point out that rowing hosts some of the most mentally tough athletes on campus. Out of the young men and women on their athletic journey at MSU – rowers day in and day out (usually multiple times a day!), challenge each other to be better people. Every day you take a risk for the girl in front you, and every day you push the girl behind you to follow your lead. You never leave anyone behind, and you push and push to ensure no one leaves anything on the table. Today shows just how tough you are, setting expectations and leaving nothing on the table. I am very proud of each one of you and am looking forward to you taking the first step into changing the culture within the athletic department. You are amazing!!

Thank you, ladies!

2018-01-29 16:34:49 UTC

Thank you for standing up. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for demanding change. We are all with you!!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

B1G Support

2018-01-29 18:28:26 UTC

The rowing world is behind all of the women, past and present of Michigan State Crew. Your bravery is incredible and we want you to know that your conference supports you. With love 💚 Wisconsin Rowing '17

Proud of You All!

2018-01-29 18:40:49 UTC

In light of all the evil and darkness that has taken hold of our campus community and so much more I'm proud to hear of how you all are stepping up as leaders. You're showing the heart of what makes Spartan rowers strong but more importantly you're showing the strength of your character and determination to see the right and good things come from this. I wore my MSU rowing practice shirt from 08-09 today to support you all from a distance. Praying for you to have peace and great boldness as you speak, and that the Board would listen and be moved to even more urgent action because of you all. Keep it up!

Stephanie Bochenek
07-11

You are wonderful

2018-01-29 20:09:45 UTC

You are all in my thoughts and prayers right now. Know you are not alone in this we all believe in you and are so proud! Go green!

I. And IV.

2018-01-31 10:01:24 UTC

I. Suspension while under investigation. IV. Enforce, not just recommend policies.