Dirk Puleo '21 Recruiting Profile

Entering 10th grade I was involved in Football, Lacrosse, and Ski-racing. Unfortunately, during my Sophomore year, I suffered concussions in both Football and Lacrosse. I was informed I needed to find a non-contact team sport.

After some research and help from my Dad, I was lucky to discover Crew and joined the Greenwich Crew team for my Junior year. During my first pre-season, I learned to appreciate the erg and its role as a tool to help me to fight my way into the top Novice boat. Working my way to the top felt amazing but finding success at races like the Head of the Fish and the Head of the Housatonic made rowing amazing. The best part of rowing came from that feeling of being part of a team again and one in which I was in on every play. As Spring is rapidly approaching, I am looking forward to being back on the water. I’m hoping to have the opportunity to fight my way onto one of the Varsity boats now that I’m less of a stranger to the sport and have learned to balance my power and technique.

I have continued as a competitive Ski-Racer for my high school and club teams. It turns out there are more similarities to rowing and racing than I had originally imagined, and the two sports complement each other. For instance, a common goal is to be proficient in having smooth motions and perfect timing. While in both sports you exert yourself differently, you still fight fatigue to perform at your best.

I hope to row in college because I’m not ready to give up that amazing feeling. Since I don't see an opportunity to ski I'm hoping to make crew my continuing sport. I am looking for a college that has a strong business school and one that fits me academically