From Ballet to Boats: Ava’s Unexpected Journey into Rowing

Despite her height and natural athleticism, Ava had no initial interest in rowing. She didn’t even want to try it. Growing up, she was a dedicated ballet dancer, but like many middle school athletes, she drifted away from sports. That age—11 to 14—is when youth sports see the biggest dropout rates.

Then, the summer before her freshman year, Ava’s mother signed her up for a Learn-to-Row camp with the Vashon Island Rowing Club. Her mom’s friend, a former collegiate rower, had raved about the sport, and she figured it was worth a shot. That first experience on the water was three and a half years ago—and Ava hasn’t looked back since.

Ava still remembers that first day vividly: a warm summer afternoon, glassy water, a light breeze—perfect rowing conditions. The setting made for a gentle introduction to a sport that, from the outside, seemed intense and intimidating. After all, in the Olympics and in movies, rowing appears cutthroat and grueling. But her experience at Learn-to-Row was different—fun, welcoming, and far less intense than she had imagined. Having a few familiar faces in the group helped too.

She was hooked from day one.

After camp, Ava joined the Vashon Island Rowing Club (VIRC) and quickly realized what made the sport so special. The team was inclusive, and everyone—whether new or experienced—went out of their way to make her feel welcome. “I’ve made some of my closest friends from rowing,” she says.

The camaraderie in rowing is unlike any other. Sharing both the struggles and triumphs of the sport creates deep bonds, a sense of belonging, and lifelong friendships. This community aspect is one of the reasons Ava fell in love with the sport, and now, she makes a point to welcome new rowers the same way she was welcomed.

Rowing demands commitment—early morning practices, grueling workouts, and balancing academics alongside it all. The sport instills discipline, time management, and perseverance. “It can be hard to balance everything,” Ava admits. “Rowing is physically and mentally demanding, and that can be draining.”

One season, she struggled to finish workouts, feeling more exhausted than usual. After some investigation, she discovered she had an iron deficiency. Fixing the issue helped, but the experience was a reminder that unexpected challenges arise—sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go according to plan. But how you handle setbacks? That’s what truly matters.

Beyond the physical demands, rowing also builds leaders. Team captains and coxswains play crucial roles in guiding and motivating their crews, learning how to lead under pressure. Ava, who once considered herself shy, credits rowing with helping her grow in confidence. The sport showed her she could push through tough moments, and over time, she evolved into a leader. Last spring, she was elected team captain.

Rowing also opens doors—collegiate scholarships, national competitions, and opportunities beyond the sport itself. The discipline and resilience it fosters translate into all aspects of life.

Ava recently committed to Gonzaga for Fall ‘25.

“Sometimes I think about how crazy it is that I wouldn’t have tried rowing on my own,” she says. “As the saying goes, ‘Don’t knock it before you try it.’”

Rowing is more than just a sport—it’s a full-body workout, a mental challenge, and a social experience all in one. Whether gliding across calm water at sunrise or pushing through the final meters of a race, young rowers gain lessons and memories that last a lifetime. The sport fosters teamwork, resilience, and a deep connection to nature—preparing them not just for competition, but for life itself.