Kaira Lay '19 Recruiting Profile

I am the youngest of three children, all of whom are homeschooled. As a homeschooler, I learned time management and self-motivation at a young age. These skills would push me to become an accomplished athlete as I entered crew. My main focuses in life are school and crew and I refuse to be halfhearted.

My parents adhere to a classical educational philosophy; therefore, I feel prepared for a collegiate career. Education is highly valued in my home and my studies are a joy. Because I understand how important knowledge is, I am excited to enter university and begin the path towards becoming a landscape architect. The journey will require discipline and endurance, two attributes that also are found in successful rowing programs.

During my novice year of rowing, I never medaled; none of our novice girls did and finding the drive to enter another season was difficult. I had given my full effort and did not miss a single day of practice. In addition, the season ended with uncertainty as the boathouse had not announced a varsity girls coach for the upcoming year.

That summer before my first varsity season, I was forced to decide why I row and if I would stay on the same team or follow my teammates as they joined our competitor’s boathouse. They were winning and I was jealous…never wishing they were worse, but working so that I could be better. If I decided to stay, I knew it would be a shot in the dark because I did not know who the coach would be. Finally, I committed to my team and ensured become a serious competitor. During that difficult summer, I also affirmed my reason for rowing, and, to no surprise, it is the reason I do anything: to bring glory to God and be ready physically and mentally for whatever He has planned for my future.

With renewed commitment, I entered my first varsity year. The culture of the team began to shift as I won my first medals, encouraged my teammates to be the best we could be, and our new coach brought a level of expectation we needed. The season proved to be the best the boathouse had seen in years. My pair partner and I went on to compete in USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota and finished 4th in the women's pair! The work is paying off and I am positioned to be more competitive and stronger as I look forward to my second varsity year. This summer is a stark contrast to last summer!

As a rower for your team, you will have an equal level of wholeheartedness. I do not mind where your team is competitively, I know that a team’s culture can shift because I have lived that. I will strive towards consistent improvement. There is so much that rowing has already taught me that I could not have learned other places. I feel there is a great deal that my personal touch can bring to your team that you may not find commonplace. In my years of crew and school, I have matured in love and teamwork, striven for strength and greatness, and solidified knowledge and excellence.