The Boys in the Boat movie has drawn a wonderful spotlight on the intensity, devotion and sportsmanship that it takes to be a rower. Without spoiling the movie, there were several great quotes referencing the sport that were made, for starters in the opening speech made by Washington Head Coach, Al Ulbrickson “not everyone is meant to row.” Knowing what he meant as he was selecting an 8 man boat out of 30+ possible men, I have to say this resonates differently at CBC. Connecticut Boat Club is a rowing club that welcomes all girls committed to the sport. If CBC ever says “not everyone is meant to row” it is surely more in the context of understanding that not every girl is willing to make the sacrifices needed to be a high performance rower. One thing that was great to see was how we as a sport have evolved from wooden oars, wooden boats and laced foot stretchers! (Thank you so much to our partner, Vespoli!)
I don’t think any rower would argue when Coach Ulbrickson said, “Stroke after stroke, it’s called swing when all eight are rowing at such perfect unison…most crews never find it but when they do- rowing is more poetry than sport”…because it’s true. The only thing that adds to that is when the rowers in the boat are friends because when your friends are rowing with you, or should I say fighting for a top place finish, you find another gear because your mate is counting on you in that moment. The friendship that the Class of 2024 has is a coaches dream. CBC’s Class of 2024 will be a group of young women impossible to forget for many reasons. Two of those reasons are Ava Weneck and Maddy Dodge.
Often times when we think of rowers we think of tall athletes and sure, there are advantages to being taller in the sport of rowing but it is not a requirement. Many of CBC’s best athletes have been on the shorter spectrum and have not only excelled at the high school level but have been top of their rowing class in college. Two examples are CBC alums, India Knight who rowed 4 years at Columbia University and Kendra Schutts who rowed at University of California, Berkeley. As both Dodge and Weneck look to finish their high school rowing career they are setting sail to embark on their college careers. Ava will be joining the Harvard-Radcliffe rowing team in the fall of 2024 and Maddy will join the Stanford rowing team in the fall as well! With both Division I athletes finishing their first chapter of rowing they had a few insights to share:
“I started my rowing career in 7th grade when my mom found a flyer for CBC’s two week summer rowing camp. I am 5’6 and personally the only time I have felt disadvantaged by my height is when I am honing my skills. It is imperative that my technique on the water reflects that of a 6 foot rower. Though I have less leeway to make mistakes on the water, I see it more as a challenge than a disadvantage, and it’s something I work on every day. My Truest, best friends are from rowing, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. By nature of this sport, you can’t help but forge strong, loving relationships with the girls around you. I know without a doubt, these girls will be my bridesmaids in my wedding!” Ava shared with enthusiasm as she reflected on how she fell in love with the sport, the one of a kind friendships she has established, and the hard work she puts into every training.
Maddy shared how she started rowing in a similar way to many: she had tried every sport and had an athletic foundation but wanted to try something new. Along came a friend of her parents and suggested rowing! Similar to Ava, Maddy is also 5’6 and feels that rowing has allowed her to always have something to work towards, also leading to experiences she never imaged. She shared, “The feeling of crossing the finish line with your teammates knowing you put in your all is always so invigorating regardless of the result. For much of my rowing career, I honestly never noticed my size or weight in comparison to my teammates. I was too busy focusing on my technique, competing to my best ability, and just having fun!” Dodge has been hooked on rowing ever since attending one of Development Team Coach Sarah’s practices in 8th grade. She most recently finished 10th at the Head of the Charles race. Her boat raced against 50 other boats and started back in 31st place (wow that’s a big jump!).
As we reflect on the Boys in the Boat movie, we certainly are wishing for the regatta shoreline train to make a come back to 2024 racing! I mean, wouldn’t it be amazing to follow every Spring season race from start to finish?! Just like that Washington Crew, our crews at CBC, ‘The Girls in the Boat’ have been rewarded in more ways than one by this sport. Weneck closed with, “In the sport of rowing, reward is only granted by hard work and determination. Through the sport of rowing, I haven’t only gotten stronger physically, but my mental fortitude has strengthened as well. The progression of rowing is not linear, and rowers will inevitably have ups and downs. It is through adversity that I’ve learned the most about myself as a rower.”
