Domina makes ACC waves

In a season marked by tough losses, the relatively inexperienced North Carolina rowing team found a pair of bright spots in the performance of All-ACC senior Julia Domina and a surprisingly dominant second varsity eight.

Domina, a team captain for the second year in a row, became the third Tar Heel in as many years to earn All-ACC honors last weekend

“It’s cool because all my hard work paid off, and it’s nice to get something for that,” said the Cary native.

But Domina said that the All-ACC team was not on her to-do list at the beginning of the season and that her selection came as a surprise.

In a sport like rowing, success comes from a total team effort, so one person’s performance depends on the entire boat.

“I thought there were probably about four of us who could have gotten it,” Domina said. “I really, honestly, didn’t even think about it. I just wanted to think about how our boat was going to do. … Individual accolades aren’t as important.”

Head coach Sarah Haney said she is pleased Domina was recognized for her talents, noting that the current captain has been successful all four years she’s rowed with the team.

“(Domina) is so extremely dedicated to Carolina rowing, she never takes a break,” said Haney, adding that Domina’s work ethic is what sets her apart.

“In the off-season, she definitely uses that as her time to go and gain on others,” Haney said. “And that has been her greatest attribute.”

Domina contributes in other ways as well — Haney praised her leadership role on the team.

“She’s really worked on pulling in the reins on her teammates to make sure they’re holding themselves accountable 24 hours a day,” Haney said.

Domina’s leadership will be missed next year, as the only two juniors on the roster will try to fill the void left by five departing seniors.

Still, the Tar Heels have reason to believe they can continue to improve next season, even without senior leadership.

The second varsity eight went undefeated in the regular season and finished fourth in last weekend’s ACC Championship races in Clemson, S.C. The boat will return all but two of its rowers next season, and Haney is thrilled to have that kind of depth on her team.

“When you have an internally competitive team like ours, you’re going to have a lot of competitive boats,” Haney said.

Meanwhile, Domina’s future won’t take her far from the sport she loves. While she works toward a master’s degree in sports psychology at Ithaca College next fall, Domina will be an assistant coach and will work with the women’s novice team.

Haney had better keep an eye on her protege, as Domina ultimately hopes to end up back in Chapel Hill on the UNC coaching staff.

“If the chance ever arises, I’d definitely come back here,” Domina said. “Because this is where my heart is.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.