Rowing is a sport that is often described as elitist, but Kent School makes it accessible for everyone. For the last 50 years, Girls’ Rowing at Kent has developed a program that enables girls to push themselves, both individually and as part of a crew, to their limits by enhancing their physical and mental capabilities. From early morning to late evening, from the boathouse to the Housatonic, while maintaining their studies and daily lives, these girls are breaking their limits every day.

“The biggest benefit I see in Kent rowers is their work ethic,” said Ms. Wilson in an interview. “They follow through on their commitments, they show up every day, and they work together as one. Rowing demands that. In an eight-person boat, every athlete has to contribute.” 

Compared to other sports, rowing not only requires intense grinding and cooperation; it also requires building trust and a mental connection with each boat member on the team. Says Wilson, “Rowing shows young people the impact one individual can have on a team. Rowing teaches you to be grounded in a great crew. It’s not just about muscle—it’s about mental connection, about trust. And it lays a foundation for a meaningful future, even beyond athletics.”

At Kent, rowing does not only mean pulling an oar, but also personal growth. Ms. Wilson stated: “Not every student comes in knowing how to row—some don’t even know how to carry a boat. But after days and days, we can witness students putting the boat on their shoulder and carrying the oar with the other hand, just like a professional, skillful rower. Pride and satisfaction are always on the student’s face.” Just like rowing itself, the result is important, but personal growth—the process of learning and improving—is far more meaningful than the result.

“Rowing is tough,” said Mandy, a freshman rower, “but rowing makes me both physically and mentally stronger, and it also helps me release stress.” In order to release the correct amount of power in each pull, the rowers need to feel the contraction and release of each muscle group. Staying focused is important not only in rowing but also in daily life.

At Kent, the rowing team reminds the school that success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it begins before sunrise, on quiet water, in perfect rhythm.