by Ruby Lyon
Each fall, a Row New York Queens varsity team member receives her “Little” – a novice rower. Taking on the role as a “Big,” the varsity athlete becomes a guide into the rowing world. The Big is there to answer the small things that feel so consequential for those new to a sport. She offers advice and demonstrates how to pull the perfect stroke. Together, they provide support, friendship, and hold one another accountable in reaching their full potential. Meet five of this year’s Big and Little pairs.
Aleeyah and Jerrica
“We are both peaceful.”
Thoughts on having a Big: “Having a Big [when I was a Little], really motivated me during my workouts when she would encourage me to keep going. And every day, seeing her made my day better. And being a Big now, it’s like I’m an influence on you [Jerrica]. Every time I work out I think about if my Little was working out. I would want her to keep pushing, so I’m not going to stop. I’m going to keep going and improving so she can keep going and improving as well.” – Aleeyah
Shannon and Lilian
“I’m short, she’s tall.”
On her Big: “She’s awesome, she’s amazing, she’s my not so Big. She is really good at giving advice. The first day we met, we really clicked. I told her all about my life.” – Lilian
On her Little: “She’s taller than me… she’s very long and she’s going to help the boat. As her Big, I can watch her blossom on the team.” – Shannon
Manar and Amanda
“We love to laugh!”
What it’s like having a Big: “It’s an eye opener to see that she once was in my spot, and she’s there to always help. Just to keep pushing me…She’s always happy, she’s always so enthusiastic about everything, and always there. She’s amazing.” – Amanda
Legacy to pass on to Little: “Last year, the first question I asked my Big was, how do you get over being nervous before a race? What I’m trying to teach her is that, you’re never not going to be nervous before a race. But no matter how you do, as long as you can say that you tried your best, you gave it your all, even if you gave up at one point, at the end you pushed your hardest – then there’s nothing you can do, win or lose. You can then say that you left it all out there. There’s really nothing else.” – Manar
Harsha and Hannah
“We’re both tall.”
Lessons for a Little: “Small things like what gear to wear on the water, to 2k’s and 5k’s and how to prepare yourself. I would definitely say to try your best throughout all the years.” – Harsha
On having a Big: “It’s good to know you can ask somebody questions and be able to relate to someone else. If you don’t know anyone else on the team, you know your Big.” – Hannah
Similar backgrounds: “We both have the same kind of background [Indian and Caribbean]. Whatever she talks about family wise, I probably will get it. And when it comes to food, we can relate.” – Harsha
Giana and Hillary
“She tells great jokes.”
On her Big: “She’s my guiding light.” – Hillary
On her Little: “She’s hilarious. Every time I see her, she gives me a really funny joke.” – Giana
On the Big/Little program: “It’s not like having a mentor, it’s more like having a friend. I’m not older than Hillary, we are the same age. I’m helping her mesh with Varsity, so when she joins next year, it’s not a big surprise. Now, it’s like, ‘oh now I can do this.’ Now she’ll know that she has a friend on the team that she can talk to, who’s already been through a year of it.” – Giana
