Personal Statement
Dear Coaches, I hope you are all well! My name is Aprillia Mitchell and I'm a high school rower from Australia. I started rowing at 15, inspired by my mother's experience in the UNSW lightweight four. From the moment I began, I've loved this sport and am grateful to be a part of it today. It has been my lifeline and solace in tough times.
Here is a little bit about me as a rower and my achievements:
I am a state rower having represented the Australian Capital Territory in the School Girls 2nd 8+ and the Pathways 8+ in 2023 and 2024 respectively where I sat 4 seat and 2 seat. I rowed at the Australian Championships (Nationals) in my school's Varsity Girls 8+. We finished 8th in the A Final for the Schoolgirls 8+ category, making us the 8th best Schoolgirls 8+ in the country. Also, our 8+'s placing made us the best co-educational 8+ in the country. In this boat, I sat Bow seat (except for 2 regattas where I sat 7 seat). I have achieved "Most Improved Senior Oarswoman" for my hard work and improvement in my final season. I am currently rowing for the Australian National University club as I finish my year 12 in their High-Performance Squad under the coaching of Nigel Harding.
My goals for college include continuing to be a competitive athlete with high fitness, but my main ambition is to compete against the best and represent my college at major regattas like the NCAA Championships and (if the boat does well enough) possibly international regattas. I also want to row at university to connect with athletes and sports, aligning with my future career interest in sports management. A great culture is more important to me than great times.
I believe I would be a strong candidate because I'm a good listener and receptive to feedback from both coaches and crewmates. I'm a team player, thanks to my experience in other team sports like basketball, rugby, and netball, and I'm empathetic. I also have a great passion for this sport and am dedicated to improving and ensuring I am always putting the crew and its aims before any personal achievements.
I'm a hard worker, which is reflected in my grades and my quick progress in rowing. I'm not naturally gifted, so I work harder than most to perform better, and I will bring this same determination to the crew.
I hope I have interested you and I look forward to this upcoming journey with you all!