University of Massachusets Athletics
Mass Impact: Katie Flickinger
December 29, 2020 | Rowing, Athletics Department, The Minutemen Club
AMHERST, Mass. -- Welcome to Mass Impact, presented by the UMassFive College Credit Union! Mass Impact is a new series featuring alumni discussing how their experiences at the University of Massachusetts helped shape their lives and made them the people they are today.
Today, Katie Flickinger reflects on the impact her UMass rowing career has had on her professional career as a Supervisor of Autopsy Pathology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.
What transferrable skills did you learn as a student-athlete that have helped you be successful in your field?Â
"There are the obvious ones like time management, organization, confidence, responsibility- but I think the most critical one was that I learned that I always had room for improvement and things to learn. Every stroke in rowing is an opportunity to improve on the previous one; if you get complacent and don't keep trying to get better or faster, you will not get anywhere. I've carried that idea with me throughout my education and career- I try to be open to learning and trying new things- staying curious and always seeking to improve. Even at my current job, I learn new things every day. I think this also informs my teaching style- I'm not afraid to admit I don't know everything!"
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Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at UMass?Â
"Without a doubt, my coach Jim Dietz. Equally important were all of my teammates. They were such an amazing group of women who inspired me every day to be better and work harder."
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How did being a Division I student-athlete help shape who you are today?Â
"I was a finalist for a research fellowship right out of college, and all other things being equal, the PI who selected me said he chose me over the other applicants because I had rowing on my CV. That work experience led me to grad school which led me to my current career."
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How has UMass Athletics left a lasting impact on your life?Â
"I had never rowed before I got to UMass, so I am forever grateful for being introduced to a sport that has remained a very important part of my life, through coaching, officiating, and competing with my local club. It is a sport I will be involved in for the rest of my life. I am also still very close with many of my teammates, and I am so thankful for that. I am very proud to have been a part of UMass Athletics and a UMass grad."
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Today, Katie Flickinger reflects on the impact her UMass rowing career has had on her professional career as a Supervisor of Autopsy Pathology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.
What transferrable skills did you learn as a student-athlete that have helped you be successful in your field?Â
"There are the obvious ones like time management, organization, confidence, responsibility- but I think the most critical one was that I learned that I always had room for improvement and things to learn. Every stroke in rowing is an opportunity to improve on the previous one; if you get complacent and don't keep trying to get better or faster, you will not get anywhere. I've carried that idea with me throughout my education and career- I try to be open to learning and trying new things- staying curious and always seeking to improve. Even at my current job, I learn new things every day. I think this also informs my teaching style- I'm not afraid to admit I don't know everything!"
Â
Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at UMass?Â
"Without a doubt, my coach Jim Dietz. Equally important were all of my teammates. They were such an amazing group of women who inspired me every day to be better and work harder."
Â
How did being a Division I student-athlete help shape who you are today?Â
"I was a finalist for a research fellowship right out of college, and all other things being equal, the PI who selected me said he chose me over the other applicants because I had rowing on my CV. That work experience led me to grad school which led me to my current career."
Â
How has UMass Athletics left a lasting impact on your life?Â
"I had never rowed before I got to UMass, so I am forever grateful for being introduced to a sport that has remained a very important part of my life, through coaching, officiating, and competing with my local club. It is a sport I will be involved in for the rest of my life. I am also still very close with many of my teammates, and I am so thankful for that. I am very proud to have been a part of UMass Athletics and a UMass grad."
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