Ella Lee '24 Recruiting Profile

I am new to the sport of rowing and have fallen in love with everything about it!  Late spring I did my very first (and only) 2K test I got an 8:42 - not bad for only being on the erg for a couple weeks, and I feel confident once the snow comes in MN and we get back on the ergs I'll get my time below 8 minutes.  My coaches at TCYR tell me that I have picked up the technique of rowing really fast, and I started practicing with varsity almost right away.  Currently I am rowing 2 hours with varsity and then doing an additional work out to prepare for Head of the Charles (6 days/week).  I also have a lifting coach 3-4x/week to specifically work on getting stronger to create more power in the boat.  

A little about myself, prior to rowing I was a competitive gymnast and competed at the top level (level 10).  My proudest accomplishment in gymnastics was making it to Nationals my first year competing level 10.  I was being recruited for D1 before several ankle surgeries forced me to medically retire.  This was devastating after committing so much of my life to pursuing my goal of college gymnastics.  But I decided rather than being sad about it, I'd find a new dream to chase, and that's how I found rowing.   Gymnastics taught me so much about being a strong athlete, both mentally and physically.  I practiced 25-30 hours a week, and I'm used to pushing my body both physically and mentally every single day.  I am also really good at taking corrections from coaches.  While gymnasts are typically shorter, I am 5'8".  Not as tall as some other rowers but I make up for it in my work ethic and strength.  Gymnasts are really strong!  

I am looking for a strong academic school that can prepare me for veterinary school.  Animals are my second love and I spend my spare time volunteering with our local animal rescue organization and fostering dogs whenever my parents will let me!

I am very excited to continue rowing in college.  As a gymnast, my expectation was to be a part of a team that I could contribute to and as a rower my expectation is the same.  I want to be a valuable part of the team both on the water and off the water.  I have high expectations for myself and I am willing to put in the work to reach my  goals.  I want to be a part of a team and continue to push both myself and my teammates athletically.  I would love to hear more about your rowing program!