Annabelle Chambers '22 Recruiting Profile

I am entering my Senior year of high school with a positive mindset and an inner drive to excel in academics and sports. As a new rower, this will be my first year rowing with the ZLAC club team in San Diego, and I am thrilled to be on their Juniors team. Before crew came into my life, I dedicated my time outside of school to musical theater. I thrived in a high-pressure environment, and I enjoyed being a leader amongst my peers. I won three National Youth Arts Awards throughout my high school career but decided to pause during the Covid 19 Pandemic. Through the lockdowns and homeschooling, I started to crave something new in my life, so I tried a Learn To Row at ZLAC.  I felt inspired and challenged during the sessions on both land and water. I knew right away that it was the sport for me.

The coaches there said I had a physical profile and a natural skill that would allow me to go far with the sport,  which made me so happy! I learned that I enjoy pushing myself to new levels on the Erg. I have also discovered that the team sports environment gives me a sense of purpose and belonging that was missing in my life.  To train as much as possible this summer, I have completed clinics in Petaluma at the North Bay Rowing Club, and I have been working out weekly at ZLAC with my new team. I can't wait for our first regatta. I feel like I have found a home in the rowing community, and I would love to continue to grow with a competitive college team.

Once I find the right college with a rowing team I can compete on, I plan to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Biology. I also plan on pursuing a Master's Degree in Zoology and a career in  Animal Conservation. While not at school maintaining my honor roll status or training at ZLAC, I work part-time at a local farm leading tours and caring for the animals. I have also started a grassroots fundraising campaign to help rescue big cats and bears in East County, San Diego, through a local organization- Lions Tigers and Bears.

I believe in myself as a positive goal setter, a dedicated athlete, and a passionate student. I would love to be allowed to contribute to a college sports team and gain the wonderful experience of competing at a collegiate level in women's rowing.