FAIRFAX, Va.  – George Mason University rowing rising junior Midori Galligan has been selected to compete for Team USA later this summer at the prestigious FISU World University Games in Germany.
 
Galligan will head to Ypsilanti, Mich., this week to begin training. Then, USRowing's delegation will travel to Duisburg, Germany to compete at the Games from July 23-27.
 
Second in importance only to the Olympic Games on an international multi-sport scale, the World University Games bring 10,000+ global student-athletes together across 15 sports. Staged every two years in a different city, the celebration of international university sports and culture was first staged in 1959.
 
Galligan will compete for Team USA in Germany in either a 4- or 8+ sweep boat.  
 
The Chesapeake, Va., product spoke to GoMason.com about the opportunity and how her experience rowing for George Mason has prepared her for competition with Team USA.
 
How has your time rowing at George Mason prepared you for this opportunity?
My coaches have helped me so much, starting from the beginning. I had not rowed previously heading into college. I walked on as a complete novice as a freshman. I was truly thrown into the deep end, but having such a welcoming environment has made me feel comfortable to ask questions, grow and learn. When I want to push myself, they support me and believe in me. They are very resourceful and helpful in that way. With my teammates, we push each other in such a way that has allowed me to believe I'm capable of things that I would not have believed, had I done a journey like this myself.
 
What has your journey from a novice to becoming a member of the George Mason Varsity 8+ taught you about the value of teamwork that will help you at the USRowing training camp?
Our Varsity 8+ this past season emphasized the power of friendship and teamwork. Our boat was very close and we were able to see each other through everything, through good days and bad days. I've realized that being vulnerable with your teammates, when things are hard inside or outside of the sport, has made me feel more comfortable with the sport itself. I've been able to reach a different level within myself because I've been able to feel comfortable progressing from novice to the Varsity 8+. Everyone in that boat knows how much it means to us collectively. Seeing this program have the passion it does has prepared me to compete for the U.S., where the athletes will be so passionate as well.
 
What does it mean to represent your country on such a big stage?
It is absolutely the dream. It's still a bit shocking to me. I'm incredibly excited just for the opportunity. The idea that I actually get to wear a Team USA uniform and race against other countries is a dream. Also, being able to take what Mason has given me to the international stage is very special. There are things I've learned from our program that I'm going to carry with me to the camp. I'll take those sayings and ideas and use it in the races against other countries. It's very special to me that I get to represent our George Mason program and our country at the same time. It's a very powerful feeling.
 
Is it your goal to continue representing Team USA in other competitions?
What I think is really impressive about the University Games is that it bridges the gap between collegiate rowing and international competition. That was an end goal – to do something with a U-23 senior national team. It's exciting that I get to compete in the junior version of it. The USRowing Coach described the University Games as a Junior Olympics. With an end goal of one day being on an Olympic Team or Senior National Team, I think this opportunity will really help me build confidence to compete internationally.
 
Are you looking forward to visiting Europe for the first time?
I'm excited for everything – even the flight. I've only been on a plane twice and the longest trip was only three hours. It's weird to say I'm excited for a 10+ hour flight but I am and I'm looking forward to do something new and crazy.
 
As you've begun this experience, what has stood out to you most?
These past couple weeks preparing, it's been so wonderful seeing my coaches, teammates, family members and friends gather around and help me prepare. I've stayed at teammates houses and my coaches have been there for whatever I need. My Mom and Dad have been extremely supportive, and I am grateful for their guidance through this whole process. They were even willing to drive 12+ hours there and back up to Michigan to send me off to camp safely. I look up to both of them and I hope to make them proud. The whole experience has been so special and moving - to be able to see the support first hand.