To the female athletes at Shawnigan, don’t take things too seriously. At BWC, we like to say, "work hard, play harder." It’s easy to get caught up in the intensity of training and competition, and there will be times when it feels like it’s not worth it. I remind myself, it’s the relationships I’ve built with my teammates that have made my experience worthwhile. Embrace the challenges, lean on your teammates, and appreciate the journey (it goes by super fast).
One of my most memorable moments that shaped who I am today was winning the Ivy League Championships with my freshman year, being one of the first boats in years to win gold for Bruno. The transition from Shawnigan to university athletics was challenging. Rowing quickly became an integral part of my life, with training sessions that often surpassed 20 hours a week. Entering freshman year, I often felt like a small fish in a big pond, and gaining the mental perseverance required to push through periods of frustration became one of the toughest but most valuable lessons I learned. There were many times I felt dissatisfied with my performance, but throughout the year, both my crew and I became fitter and faster. Then came our victory at the Ivy Championships in May, a moment that would shape the athlete I am today. It was an unforgettable feeling to see our picture displayed in the coach's office, alongside the women from the past 50 years of Brown Women’s Crew who had also earned gold at past Championships.
Rowing, in particular, has taught me to embrace pain and push through. The sport demands a level of mental and physical toughness that goes beyond the boat. The lessons learned on the water have translated into all areas of my life. The sport of rowing engrains in athletes an understanding that most worthwhile achievements in life require effort, dedication, and a bit of sacrifice.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through sports is the importance of focusing on the big picture. It’s not about achieving perfection every day but about striving for just 1% improvement. Bad days happen, and it's easy to get discouraged, but remembering how far I’ve come and the progress I've made helps keep me motivated.
My biggest inspirations in sports have been Julie Platt and Meghan Montgomery, two incredible coaches from my time at Shawnigan. They constantly pushed me to step out of my comfort zone—encouraging me to try new things like racing in a single for the first time and pushing me to trial for the U19 team in Grade 11. Without their support, I never would have had the courage to take those steps. Their belief in me, even after all these years, has had a lasting impact and played a big part in helping me get to Brown. I’m grateful for the relationship we've built, and I continue to enjoy keeping them updated on my journey.
Roll Stags and Go Bruno!
