Tucker Palmeri '17 Recruiting Profile

After experimenting with the normal childhood menu of sports like soccer, baseball and lacrosse, it was suggested that I try rowing.  In the last year of middle school, I joined Oakland Strokes, a competitive rowing club.  I knew the moment that my blade hit the water that I was going to be passionate about this sport. Advanced Middle School rowing was difficult, rowing on the Novice team became increasing more so and the last two years of Men’s Varsity has been an exercise of time management, extreme willpower and dedication which I have embraced as part of my everyday life.  

Deciding to row 6 days a week, rain or shine, is one of the first major commitments that I have made as a young adult.  The discipline and total dedication towards a sport, both on and off the water, became a new focus for me. Navigating my leadership role in Scouts, my rigorous academic schedule at one of the top public high schools in the nation and daily practices have given me the ability to learn the art of time management and prioritizing. These new skills will continue to serve me well and allow me to manage my future work with activities that I want to do effectively.

Rowing has been one of the most positive experiences I have had to date.  The bonds I have made with my teammates will be maintained after high school.  The camaraderie  of the boathouse and travel for competition has exposed me to a diversity of people, places and new experiences that I would not of otherwise been a part of. Along with learning the value of teamwork in order to accomplish a common goal, rowing for Oakland Strokes has taught me how to place the success of a group before my own personal success.