Charles (Alex) Dathan '24 Recruiting Profile

Looking back on my three years of rowing, what stands out the most is how it all began and the invaluable lesson it taught me: embracing new opportunities and the challenges they bring. When the pandemic shut down my baseball program in June 2020, a friend suggested I join a local sculling club that continued operating with single-person boats. Despite my initial difficulties due to a lack of athletic fitness and experience, I discovered my tall physique was well-suited for rowing, and the joy of being on the water fueled my determination. Moving through different boat positions and achieving success in competitive races, I now approach my Senior Year filled with excitement for the opportunities and challenges ahead, aiming to apply my learned lessons, training, and passion to earn a place in a competitive college rowing program.

What excites me about competing at the next level is the opportunity to face off against athletes who are better than me. I enjoy the challenge and want to compete at the collegiate level and even try to surpass more experienced athletes. To achieve that goal, I aspire to find a college or university with a competitive rowing team and a strong coaching staff, where I can further develop my skills. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to join either the U.S. Junior National team or the U.S. Senior National team to represent my country in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Competing at the next level will not only push me to become a better rower but also allow me to pursue my dreams at the highest level of the sport.    

To be an asset as a student, athlete, and person, there are several key steps I can start taking now. As I mature into a collegiate athlete, it will be imperative for me to enhance my academic performance by studying more effectively. This will involve taking extensive notes during classes, seeking clarification or collaboration from others, utilizing online educational resources like Khan Academy videos, and participating in group study sessions. I also recognize that in order to become a better student, I should also explore more interpersonal ways of learning, such as reaching out to classmates and engaging in group studies to better understand challenging content.

As an athlete, I know I need to improve my cardio and strength training. Since I enjoy rowing for long distances, I will continue to develop my endurance in that respect. However, I also acknowledge the importance of strength training in rowing. I have witnessed firsthand the improvements in my performance resulting from additional strength training, and I am aware that I need to maintain this regimen to enhance my overall power in the boat.

In addition to my academic and athletic pursuits, I have contributed by taking on the role of a coach for my rowing club, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others succeed. I have also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for younger athletes starting out in the sport. By offering guidance and support, I aim to help them develop their rowing abilities, just as my coaches did for me. Moreover, I recognize the significance of being socially engaged and actively participating in school events like homecoming and prom. These events not only create lasting memories but also define one's high school career. By prioritizing effective studying, honing my athletic skills, and positively contributing to my community, I strive to be an asset as a student, athlete, and person, making a valuable impact in all aspects of my life.

    One of my most important short-term goals is to increase my SAT scores for the Aug test. Back in March, I took the SAT, scoring in the 82nd on the entire test. This gave me a baseline for how well I did on the current exam and what I can aim to improve on for the next one. I am currently spending twenty minutes each day practicing math and ELA sections at Khan Academy. Khan Academy has been a great resource to help me improve this process and find which areas I need to strengthen for the next exam.  My end goal will be to increase my points on both ELA and Math sections to 50 to 70 points. Studying this way will help me increase my score, making it easier for me to apply to more competitive schools and have a more successful career in rowing.