I have never considered myself a naturally competitive person in regards to athletics, and as a result I have chosen to engage in sports solely as an outlet and means by which to meet new people. I row because I love my teammates, and I appreciate the onset of a challenge. Though I have attempted a myriad of other sports, it was with crew that I found my final home.

I spend about 17 hours a week with my teammates, and while that may seem excessive to some, it is one of the most positive aspects of my week.  We travel together, race together, and for the most part, have grown up through all four years of high school together. After so much time spent together, age and grade levels are irrelevant in the face of friendship and camaraderie.  There is a heightened sense of kindred spirit among the girls on the team, for they are the only ones who understand what it means to be a rower. They understand the dedication to attending practices at six in the morning, and the time prioritization when you spend another night up until midnight finishing homework. They also understand why you continue to go through with all of it. There are pros and cons with every sport, though I’ve found that in the case of rowing, the pros far outweigh their negative counterparts.

There is a certain emotional appeal to rowing for me. It occurs only after you have overcome the mental barrier entreating you to simply quit and let all the fatigue wash over you. It is a feeling that is equal parts gratifying and encouraging, and is the reason behind why rowers continue to do so. The feeling is accompanied by the sound of synchronized paddles floating just above the water and the rhythmic clicking of each oar into place. There may be the most beautiful surrounding landscape, but during a race the only thing to focus on is that of the person in front of you. The feelings, the sounds, the motions, all apart of this somewhat unorthodox sport (unorthodox in its location in the desert).

Perhaps I am biased because as I have mentioned above, I play sports for pure enjoyment, not because I am particularly competitive or wish to continue them as a career. Should you ask someone with the latter intentions, perhaps their answer and motivation behind why they participate in crew would differ from mine. However, I stand by all the aforementioned and assure you I am sincere in every last word.