Laura Gillies '21 Recruiting Profile

I started rowing when I moved to the USA from England in freshman year. Determined to find a new sport that I love and would enjoy, I started rowing. Within days of my first rowing practice, I knew this was a sport I loved. During my novice year I rowed for my school, The Episcopal School Of Dallas, winning a silver medal in the novice girls quad event at the Central Youth Championships in Oklahoma. My love for rowing continued to get stronger as I rowed in the Imperial College of London for a camp during the summer. I got to try sweeping for the first time and this really opened my eyes up to all the different types of boats there is in rowing! 

Having had an incredible summer and majorly improving I had a tough decision to make as my coach left our team and we were uncertain about who the new head coach would be. With this in mind, I decided to continue rowing for my school for a semester but eventually made the decision to move to White Rock Boathouse. White Rock Boathouse had very enthusiastic coaches who really helped me to improve and reach my potential particularly in my double. Having had little practice due to weather, we placed 4th in Texas State Championships then 3rd the Youth Central Championships qualifying us for Youth National Championships 2019.

I love rowing and how it teaches time management, discipline, and creates strong friendships among teammates. I hope to continue rowing throughout the rest of high school and college as it is something I love and helps me be the best I can.