Pressley Fortunato '26 Recruiting Profile

I know how to train, I know how to grind, and I genuinely love the process. For ten years, I was a high-performance tennis player, originally from the NYC area. I grew up training at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, home of the US Open. Three years ago, I moved to Florida to train full-time, spending 5-6 hours a day in the grueling 100-degree sun. I thrived in that environment and embraced the challenge.

An injury sidelined me from competing at the highest level in tennis. Losing the ability to compete was devastating. In the summer of 2024, I discovered rowing and it changed everything. Rowing gave me back what I lost from tennis: being strong, going hard, competing, and unleashing my inner beast. Getting to give all that I physically and mentally have is what drives me and I can do that in rowing again. It has reignited my passion for pushing my limits. As a rower, I’ve excelled in the bow seat, using my strength, balance, and years of tennis training to move the boat efficiently. I’m deeply attuned to my body, have a strong technical foundation, and am always eager to learn, improve, and win.

I’ve recently moved back to New York, now living in Saratoga Springs, where I row with the Saratoga Rowing Association run by Eric Catalano. This is my novice year, and I’m fortunate to be coached by Abbie Albright, Varsity Girls Head Coach.