Written by Emma Buford, Row New York Class of 2012, Wesleyan University Class of 2016
Every year Row New York hires five rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to work as Summer Leaders. These Leaders row each morning and practice as members of the varsity team while assisting with learn-to-row and the adaptive rowing programs five days a week in July.This opportunity is unique to Row New York and really promotes all that the program has to offer.
These Summer Leaders represent Row New York to the highest degree. They learn to coach and effectively lead groups of their peers, while teaching and instilling a passion for rowing in the hearts of many others. This paid position will also teach these young women to budget their time and money throughout the summer.
Summer Leaders training and orientation occurred this past week and gave the new Leaders insight on what they will be doing this summer as staff members at Row New York. The Leaders understand their daily schedule and will learn the ins-and-outs of the learn to row program. An exciting and eventful summer awaits!
The 2013 Summer Leaders are Mariza Mae Dannang, a rising junior, Nicole Grice, a rising sophomore, Rita Kopczynski, a rising sophomore, Amanda Ramdeholl, a rising junior and Chloe Rosario, a rising junior. These young women are excited to learn more about rowing and transition into a summer filled with new coaching experiences.
The summer learn to row program is where I started my rowing journey with Row New York. As a young rower, I remember the Summer Leaders were my role models; they knew how to row and how to row well. The Summer Leaders wore pale blue shirts that said “girls make great leaders…you’re following one right now!” As I struggled to grasp the rowing stroke, the Summer Leaders guided me and reassured me that I was on the right track and making huge improvements. I always felt safe and they instilled a new sense of determination and focus within me. My Summer Leaders had a huge impact on my rowing career at Row New York and beyond.
The Summer Leaders program is excellent and as it continues, new young women will change and promote the lives of rowers on the rise. Last year’s Leaders lead by the motto “Keep calm and lead on.” I’m sure the 2013 Summer Leaders will do just that.
