Michael Bayha '24 Recruiting Profile

Upon my arrival on the campus of The Kent School as a new student, my intention was to find increased academic success and further my long and proven athletic careers in ice hockey and lacrosse. I could not have guessed life would take a surprising turn starting that very first day day at school. During the first meet and greet with my assigned advisor (the Kent School boat master) at the boathouse, the first question he asked me was “Why aren’t you rowing?”. My parents and I just shrugged and smiled. Unexpectedly, the result of this conversion was that within a few days I was rowing six days a week and realized I had finally found my true passion. Now I am so grateful that rowing has become a part of my daily routine.

Rowing is an amazing sport and I feel it has really allowed me to grow into an elite athlete that can achieve success at the collegiate level. My coaches and teammates have become my family and pushed me to challenge myself to strive beyond what I ever thought possible. I have found an inner strength and increased my drive to continuously better myself. I thoroughly enjoy the teamwork, focus, precision and strength involved in rowing. The Kent coaches saw something in me on the day we met. They continue to reinforce those beliefs that with hard work and focus I can make the possibility of becoming a collegiate scholar/athlete a reality. I am certain I can make a positive impact on your team!