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TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the rest of the semester, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes involved in spring sports that had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's installment features PLU women's rowing student-athlete Molly Ivey.

Molly Ivey managed to fit two majors, two minors, two study away experiences, and a varsity sport into her college career. 
 

Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.

Highlights: 3-Time NWC Champion 3-Time NCAA Qualifier 2-Time Lamberth Cup Champ

A History and Global Studies double major with minors in Hispanic Studies and Peace Corps Prep, Ivey definitely made the most of her four years at PLU. As a member of the women's rowing team, Ivey created incredible memories at the same time as helping the team be incredibly successful, winning three Northwest Conference titles and making three trips to the NCAA Division III Championships.
 
Ivey recalled last year's team trip to California during spring break, where the team trained on Lake Perris. She described the lake as being surrounded by wildflowers, with a clear view from one end of the lake to another. When the team competed, Ivey and her teammates were able to race, hop out of the boat, and run along a trail while her other teammates competed. 
 
"I really bonded with my teammates on that trip and came back a better rower," Ivey said. "I'm really going to miss traveling with the team and all of the amazing experiences we've had together."
 
She is grateful for her relationships with her teammates and coaches, saying she can't express how important those relationships are to her. 
 
"No matter where we go in life, I will always be there for them, and I know they'll be there for me," Ivey said.
 
Overall, Ivey believes athletics has prepared her for life post-graduation by teaching her how to be an effective member of a team, communicate openly with others, and be a leader. Athletics has made Ivey resilient, and showed her the value of both goals and failures.
 
Ivey is also grateful for the opportunity to study away, highlighted by her experience in Oaxaca, Mexico. She loved the program, her host family, classes, and the life-long relationships she made while she was there. 
 
On the water, Ivey was a three-time Northwest Conference Champion, competing as a member of the 1V8+. She made three trips to the NCAA Championships and helped the Lutes win two Lamberth Cup races. Ivey helped the Lutes finish seventh in the nation at the NCAA Championships in both 2018 and 2019 and was apart of the 1V8+ boat that placed eighth at the NCAAs in 2017.
 
"Molly is a special teammate," said Head Coach Andy Foltz. "Molly has a passion and desire to perform and do well for her teammates that is incredible and is something I wish more individuals would pursue. She puts the team first and is always thinking about the team. She is also working incredibly hard as she does so. She was a fixture in the Varsity 8+ all four years here at PLU. She is a tremendous athlete and one of the best technical rowers in the conference. Molly's humor and ability to take a situation with her partner in crime (Anna) will be missed dearly. From arriving at practice dressed as oars, or the time Molly and Anna raced a pair but flipped before the race and got lost coming down the course. Your laughter and your work ethic will be something we will strive to teach the next class of Lutes."
 
After graduation, she plans to work as a summer counselor teaching kids to sail, kayak, and paddleboard. Ivey then hopes to move to Salt Lake City to ski, climb, and work before doing the Peace Corps. After a college career of activity and travel, Ivey's future looks to be full of even more adventure.