A Year at Michigan State: Lily Flader on Growth, Grit, and Team Culture

Welcome back to the Train Like a Girl POD! In this episode, we’re excited to reconnect with Lily Flader, our very first podcast guest. Lily shares her experiences after completing her first year rowing at Michigan State University. Highlights:   Lily’s background as a 3-sport athlete in high school: basketball, soccer, track, and cross country. Her motivation to continue competing and challenging herself athletically at the college level. The importance for college coaches to look for hardworking, motivated athletes—like Lily—to excel at the next level. Michigan State has been a great fit, offering solid academic support—tutors, advisors, and a strong community. Her rowing journey: coaches emphasize work ethic, mental toughness, and being comfortable with discomfort. Physical demands increased: higher volume and load—highlighting the importance of proper fueling, sleep, and nutrition. Lily’s realization: she needs to eat more than she expected and benefits from a team nutritionist to stay on track. Mental Performance: Every athlete wants to try hard. Lily discusses competing with herself and others, but also supporting teammates. Leadership from senior athletes: leading by example, showing intensity, and creating a culture where hard work is celebrated. Team values and goals focus on effort, resilience, and team support. Tune in for inspiring insights from Lily on balancing academics, athletic development, mental toughness, and team leadership! Key Takeaways: college rowing, athlete development, mental toughness, team culture, nutrition, leadership, perseverance.   IG https://www.instagram.com/lilyf_1214/   https://www.instagram.com/msu_rowing/