Teagan Johnston '21 Recruiting Profile

I never thought that I would be writing about why I want to row crew in college. I always thought I would be writing about why I wanted to run track or play softball in college. As an athlete I have played competitive softball for 8 years and ran track and cross country for 5 years. I truly loved playing these sports, alongside my sister and teammates. It came by surprise to me that when my sister went to high school she decided to try something new, crew. Going to her regattas, I remember how beautiful the races were and how everyone was moving in-sync with each other.

Soon, I was going to high school and planning on running in the fall. I had heard that my high school crew team had a freshman beginner’s day and my curiosity of the sport led me to go see what it was all about. We started off the day running and erging, and then coaches taught us about technique and the workings of the inside of the boat. Even though I knew that crew was going to be a lot of work as a new sport, I knew that I had to come back the next day and the day after that. I am proud to say that crew is absolutely my sport. I joined the team and I now can say that I am a better athlete and teammate because of it. I have been stroking my team's boat for three years and this has put me in a position to be a team leader. While stroking I have come to realize that you have to be able to mentally and physically push yourself and your teammates, while focusing on the race and communicating to the coxswain. Crew has taught me how to be able to not only improve myself but to also be able to push my teammates and help all of us to do the best that we can do. I have learned that you and your team win together but also fail together. I am energized and invested in being a part of a team and working together. I have become a great leader on my team because I can be competitive with my teammates and use this to push them and myself. Being a part of the crew team has not only allowed me to show my unique skills and athletic talents it also has helped me to increase my grades and hit new academic goals. I know that focus in the classroom and success gives me the mental stability to hit my sport full force at the end of the school day.

One obstacle in my athletic career was that I always played an age division higher on my softball team. I was not the best on the team but I always worked hard. I knew that if I worked hard I could prove I was worth my position. I focused and practiced every day; hitting, catching and fielding with my father. I soon learned that if you work hard and you set goals for yourself you can achieve anything. I became a great ball player and realized what it took to be a committed athlete. After this experience I never gave sports anything less than a 100%. Looking back I remember how hard it was to give up softball and track to focus on crew 100% but I have no regrets.

Through growing up and becoming a better student and athlete I have always had my family. They have taught me how to never give up and to always give all that you have. Growing up with a family that has pushed me has made me a better person, athlete and teammate and I will take these skills and lessons with me through the rest of my high school and to college years.