Most college students dread waking up for an 8 a.m. class. But for University of Tulsa student-athletes, a 4:30 a.m. alarm is the norm. Sarah Menefee of Austin, Texas, graduated in May after four years as a member of the Golden Hurricane rowing team and has fond memories of early-morning workouts on the Verdigris River.
“I love this sport,” Menefee explained. “I think getting out on the water every single day is like the dream come true. Even missing sleep, I would do it for rowing. So just being able to continue doing what I love is all the motivation I need.”
Menefee, who majored in exercise and sport science, has always loved athletics but struggled to find a sport congruous with her visual impairment. During high school, she got involved with Rowing For All, which connects people with disabilities and water sports. From there, Menefee joined the Texas Rowing Center youth team and met a rowing coach from UTulsa. After visiting the campus and the city, she was sold.
The small class sizes at UTulsa sealed the deal. “I have personal relationships with every professor I’ve had,” Menefee said, “and being able to reach out to them when you need help with something or you’re not quite understanding the concepts in class is a game changer. I have smaller classes than I did in high school, and I love it, because you get to meet your classmates and know who’s in your major and grow alongside them.”
Menefee said independently navigating college with a visual impairment while living far from home has taught her the importance of advocating for herself, especially when communicating with coaches and faculty.
“Being someone who’s legally blind, having to educate others on what I need has definitely been a process. Because most people, when they’re giving instructions on the water or on land or even in the classroom … most people speak and explain from a visual standpoint. And as someone who’s not visual, I have had to figure out how to explain to people what I need from them and how we can communicate better so I can get the job done.”
During her time at UTulsa, Menefee traveled the country with the rowing team, making lifelong friends and memories. The rowing team joined the Big 12 Conference in 2024, and for Menefee, competing on that level was a dream come true. She hopes her story inspires others to pursue their passion, regardless of what hurdles they face.
“Being resilient and learning to work hard, even when challenges are tough, is a really important skill, not just in sports but just in life,” she said. “And remembering why you’re doing it is key. Learning to advocate for yourself when there are challenges that you’re working through is a really important step to achieving your goals, no matter what challenges they are.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Menefee is ready for a new chapter. She’s been selected by the U.S. Para Team to represent Team USA in the World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, June 26-28. She already competed with the team at the 2025 World Cup in Varese, Italy, earning a silver medal. She plans to move to Boston and continue rowing with the national team. Ultimately, her goal is to compete in the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.
Menefee’s fans in UTulsa’s Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences and Golden Hurricane Athletics will be rooting for her all along the way.