Maria Santoyo

Position:
Varsity
Height:
5-8
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Raleigh, N.C.
High School:
Cardinal Gibbons

Majoring in global studies and Spanish linguistics with a minor in medical anthropology ... Participates in the Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy as part of the Veteran Leaders program and as a CREED mentor, helping freshman student-athletes adjust to college life ... Active in Carolina Outreach and as a peer tutor ... Intern for Sue Rakes Photography

Rowing at UNC: In her fourth year on the varsity squad ... Began the 2010-11 school year on the novice squad and was moved up to varsity at the start of the spring season ... Rowed in the varsity eight as a sophomore and junior ... Named All-ACC Academic and a CRCA Scholar-Athlete in 2013 ... Shared the Most Improved award for the 2011-12 varsity squad

Before UNC: Graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School ... Competed in Tae Kwon Do ... Ranked third in the nation at the Tae Kwon Do National Capital Open two years in a row

More on Santoyo: Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico ... Daughter of Claudia Casco and Gerardo Santoyo ... Has a younger brother and a younger sister ... Favorite pastimes are traveling and learning different languages ... Favorite sport other than rowing is soccer ... Favorite season is winter because she loves snow and Christmas ... Fun fact is that she is a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do ... Speaks four languages - Spanish, French and Portuguese in addition to English ... Pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open ... After graduating from UNC, hopes to work as an ambassador for the 2016 Olympics ... Dream job is to be a United Nations translator ... Little-known talent is kicking an apple off a sword blindfolded

Santoyo on Rowing at UNC: "Carolina rowing is my family. They push me to be my best on and off the water and I could not imagine my life without them."