Reyna Nyquist '25 Recruiting Profile

I first joined rowing when I was in 7th grade and was the youngest kid on the team. However, this was nothing new for me, as I had started school earlier than my peers, making me the youngest out of any group I ended up a part of. Naturally, as a 7th grader about to be put in a leadership position, I was heavily afraid. I didn't understand how someone as young as me could begin to bark orders at people 5 or 6 years older than me. Yet, I went with what I was doing and tried not to let myself shy away from the responsibility I felt I needed to take up. As time went on, I then realized that it wouldn't matter if I was the biggest, or the oldest, or the toughest, which may have been the most valuable thing I learned during my time rowing. I learned what it meant to be a leader, which would never be anything physical. I saw being a leader as how one handled and worked with their team, which I wanted to be the best example of. 

From that point in my rowing career, I continued to let myself grow in both school and athletics. Subsequently, I started to learn from everything I did and expanded my work ethic, perseverance, and patience for what I knew I wanted to get better at. I continued to grow and work harder to improve not only for myself, but for my team. These skills let me experience a variety of races, regattas, and people which I will never regret. 

Over my career so far I've had the opportunity to steer races in men's boats, women's boats, mixed boats, and even masters boats. I've coxed a Women's Varsity 4+ at Head of the Charles, Men's U17 8+ at Youth Nationals, and last year was invited to US Rowing U19 Youth Development Camp.  I knew I wanted to grow in the sport and help others to as well. I have attended coxswain only camps and coxswain leadership camps for the past three summers. I've been able to share these skills with younger and newer coxswains on our team as they develop in the coxswain seat. Through what I've experienced as a coxswain, I know rowing is something I'll never want to let go. Thus, I cannot wait to continue this journey in my life into college. With everything I have learned and am continuing to learn, I'm thrilled to be looked at for your team!