Bonded by Blades

What is it that draws us to the elusive sport of rowing? The lack of glory? The abundance of blisters? What keeps us coming back, day after day? And what is it that will stay with us for years, and even for a lifetime? For me, it is friendship. Friends that are family. That care for me, push me, challenge, and debate me, but ultimately show up. They always show up. Day after day, year after year. The unbreakable bonds of teammates and friends... 

When I meet people new to rowing, it might be tempting to ‘break the ice’ with talk about erg scores, regatta results, or the latest equipment. However, what is truly important is sharing the message that these friendships will carry you far in life. Farther and higher than you could ever soar on your own. When crewmates work together, their individual strengths merge into a formidable, unified force. I am so grateful I had that experience during my competitive rowing days. 

Last week I had the utmost pleasure of meeting the next generation of this sport - the Xavier University co-ed rowing team. This year’s team is mostly women, but there is a desire to build and develop the men’s side as well. On more than one occasion, I heard these young women refer to their team, their crew, as a family. On Valentine’s Day, these women showed their unwavering love and support for each other, by recognizing the day with a single yellow rose for each athlete. A yellow rose for joy and a lifetime of friendship.  

So, what did I feel compelled to share with this team and group of athletes? I expressed that for over 20 years, my rowing family has been the dearest people in my life. Even on those mornings when we were exhausted from waking up at 5am, I pushed through because my other 8 teammates were counting on me. I did it because without me, we could not be one. I did it for the rest of the women, so they knew whether I lead from in the front or push from behind, we were all in this together. We all showed up. And even now, we will always show up for each other. For a lifetime. Teamwork and strong bonds were the driving forces that propelled me to where I am today. While I could only share a small piece of the wisdom my rowing team instilled in me, these women already understood that power firsthand. This Xavier University crew already feels this power in their bones and coursing through their veins, and they will soar higher than they ever imagined possible.  

 Author Kate Smith is a former competitive collegiate rower and works in Marketing at Concept2. She recently traveled to New Orleans to attend Rowing with a Purpose and had the opportunity to speak with the Xavier University Co-Ed Rowing Team. Xavier University recently made history as the first HBCU to launch a co-ed varsity rowing program. To learn more about this amazing crew, check out their YouTube video.