Jameson McConnochie '25 Recruiting Profile

No country has a better record of rowing success than New Zealand. Single sculls legends such as Mahe Drysdale and Rob Waddell have dominated the rowing scene of the past decade and Kiwi's success on the international stage extends back to 1972. It is these men whose wake I want to follow in. 

As the winner of the New Zealand Secondary Schools (Maadi Cup) U17 Single Sculls in 2023 I have taken my first stroke in that direction. The Maadi Cup is the premier rowing event in New Zealand and counts many elite rowers as past winners. 

My goal is to win Olympic Gold and be able to count myself alongside these great names. But I understand that this will be a long, gruelling journey and I will take each catch, stroke, race, regatta, and year with this end goal bubbling beneath me. 

Within the next season, I look to continue my success in the single and win the U18 single scull. I then plan to go onto U19’s trials and have my first opportunity to perform internationally. 

I see the US collegiate rowing system as a fantastic opportunity and a stepping stone to improve my skills and power, whilst also broadening my perspective on the world. It will allow me to create connections outside of the New Zealand rowing scene and develop a greater understanding of this beautiful sport.

Additionally, Tauranga Boys’ College consistently produces academic results above the national average. I am within the top 1% students of in my year group, ranking highly across the nation academically. Determination and dedication have been indispensable in my rowing journey, however, they have also been invaluable in my quest for academic excellence. I highly value academic success and look to continue striving for greatness in the classroom, not just on the water.