Cate Frerichs '25 Recruiting Profile

I never knew rowing would become such a big part of my life. 

I’ve done sailing every summer, and loved being on the water. After reading The Boys in the Boat, I was compelled by the intellectual drive of the coxswain and was inspired by an athletic position that fit my stature. When I told my family, they laughed and said it would be perfect because I am short and bossy. I decided I was going to go for it, and signed up for a club program that started the next day. I planned to only row for the summer, however, I fell in love with rowing and saw it as a way to gain valuable experience before becoming a coxswain. At the summer club, I learned to scull in singles and doubles. In a single, I was the fastest novice for both women and men, known as a “fierce” rower to my coaches. Once in high school, I would successfully seat race for bow. Crew became my passion instantaneously, and I chose my high school based on the crew program, even though this required an hour drive. I began coxing my sophomore year, focused on becoming the coxswain I always wished I had as a rower. My commitment and determination as a rower has ultimately translated into my enthusiasm and leadership ability for coxing. I am observant and organized both in the boathouse and on the water, and my teammates have recognized me as calm under pressure. Coaches have nicknamed me “fiesty” due to my eagerness and competitiveness. Coxing varsity boys has highlighted the power of self-motivation and its necessity when it comes to rowing. I have realized the unique difference between the rower solely motivated by their coxswain, and the rower who has the self drive and determination to show the other boats their strength. This recognition has empowered me to support the rowers’ internal motivation, and encourage them to harness their full potential in the cycle of training and water experience. Even during my free time, I found a way to share my love of the sport. I assist in a Row to Recovery program, where I cox and teach cancer patients. Off the water, I thrive in math and science, and value my academic ambition in the classroom. I plan to continue being a student athlete, applying my talents in and out of the coxswain seat.