TJ Captains

I first heard about TJ Crew from a friend who had graduated, so when the season started freshman year, I decided to give it a try, not really knowing what to expect. Now, in my third year of rowing, I can confidently say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. There’s nothing quite like rowing on the Occoquan, but the real highlight of TJ Crew is the tight-knit community. I’ve made some of my closest friends on the team and have loved all the fun activities, like pasta parties and spirit days. Rowing has given me a supportive community, helped me grow personally, and created unforgettable memories. I cherish every moment, from close races to relaxed days out on the water. Outside of crew, I enjoy reading, coding, spending time with friends, and trying out new restaurants.  

I skulled in Germany for two years before moving to the US. When I found out TJ had a rowing team I already knew I wanted to join. Even though I had never tried sweep rowing, I found it just as enjoyable. Today, I much prefer our style of rowing because it requires all rowers to be in sync... or we get splashed.

Despite joining my sophomore year (after moving schools) I was able to row varsity and fortunate enough to be the stroke seat of my boat. After two years of stroking, I have learned much about what it means to trust those rowing behind me and to stay calm under the weight of the race.

I look forward to my last season on the team, hoping to inspire new rowers and be the "sunshine on a rainy day" of the team.

I joined TJ Crew my freshman year because I’ve always loved being on the water. Outside of school, I sail competitively, but during the school year I needed something that would keep me active. Rowing challenges many of the same muscles and demands the same level of discipline.

Over the past three years, I’ve spent my time in the stern of the boat and have grown alongside some of the most dedicated athletes and closest friends I know. TJ Crew has pushed me to become both a stronger rower and leader.

As I head into my fourth and first season as a captain, I’m excited to help guide the team and encourage new rowers. Whether you’ve been on the water before or are completely new, crew has a place for you — and it just might become one of the best decisions you make at TJ.

I first heard about TJ Crew when I went to freshman sports night. A parent approached me about joining the team, and I said "Sure, why not?" I went to fall green days, and since then, I've been hooked. This is my fourth year on the team, and I'm so excited to see what happens this season. TJ Crew has been a pivotal part of my high school career, and I'm so glad that I made the decision to join in freshman year. 

I fell in love with Crew the moment I joined in freshman year. The beautiful river and endless new skills to learn made practice the part of the school day I looked forward to the most because of how engaging it was. As a coxswain, it was incredible to find a sport as inclusive as crew, and I was able to develop my voice and confidence in ways I never thought possible. But I fell in love with the community the most; through rainy and sunny practices and regattas, my boatmates (and team members outside of my boat as well) have become some of my closest friends. Trusting others to pull hard for you and giving your all for your rowers every day is the most magical and rewarding relationship you could build, and it has been one of the highlights of my high school experience.