Ava Beatty '23 Recruiting Profile

5/23/2021

My name is Ava Beatty and I am finishing my sophomore year at Fairfield Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, Connecticut.  I began rowing about 2 years ago, taking some beginner lessons and participating in a weekend-only intermediate season to better learn the sport.  In September 2020, I tried out for the Novice Girls team at Greenwich Crew, and made the team.  Deciding to row competitively at Greenwich Crew was the best decision that I have ever made.

Rowing has taught me so much about myself, and I continue to learn more each day.  Although I played other team sports growing up – Softball and Field Hockey – it was Rowing that taught me that I am tougher than I previously thought, having the mental strength and determination to push through pain and exhaustion.  Perhaps most importantly, Rowing has taught me very important lessons about how a team is greater than the sum of its parts.    

Our Novice Girls 8+ boat started the fall with little on-the-water experience, and zero race experience.  During our fall season, we scrimmaged against rival clubs and were defeated.  Rather than feeling dejected, we were determined to work harder and improve our conditioning, speed and technique.  We participated in multiple races in the spring, improving greatly and taking 2nd in some events.  Our season culminated at the Northeast Regionals in Saratoga, NY, where I was in the Stroke seat.  My team made the finals and finished in fifth place.  Our dramatic improvement over the course of the season was only possible because all 9 of us were dedicated to improving the boat and ourselves, and we had a clear mission – to finish top 3 and win a medal at Regionals.  Although my team fell short, that only serves as inspiration for me as I train over the summer and move up before the 2021-2022 Rowing season.   

Just before Regionals, I pulled a 7:45.5 in my first attempt at a 2K.  I intend to continue working hard on my conditioning, speed and technique.  I also am attending the Northeast Rowing Center camp in August 2021 in Maine, where I look forward to learning even more about Rowing.

I 100% want to row competitively while I attend college.  I am looking for a Rowing team that emphasizes character, teamwork and the continued development of the entire student athlete. 

In college, I intend to major in Accounting or Finance.  Although I am keeping my options open, right now I intend to pursue a business career in the Non-Profit sector.  Philanthropy and charitable work is very important to me.  Over the past three years, I have more than 500 hours of charitable service.  This year, while rowing competitively I also won a President’s Volunteer Service Award for my service.

 Thank you for reading my statement and for your consideration.

- Ava