Brooke Parisi '25 Recruiting Profile

My sister Ella, was at a birthday party and had been asked if she was interested in a learn to row program.  She went and I remember her telling my parents how it felt to be on the water.  She now rows at the Division 1 collegiate level.  After about a year I decided I could not let her have all the fun so I asked my parents if I could join crew.  The moment I hit the water I knew what my passion was.  I started as a 7^th grade modified rower.  I worked on my technique and power and asked my coaches questions to help improve my skill.  When my coaches give me feedback I always try to implement what they are asking me to do.   I put in extra practices at home on the erg and by the time my 8^th grade modified year was finished I had earned a spot on the Varsity team with Shenedehowa Rowing. This was a very proud moment for me as I knew my diligence to learn the sport was paying off. To this point I have been able to show my coaches their faith in me was not misplaced.  Last year at the Mohawk Meltdown, an indoor erg race in Niskayuna, NY, my coaches originally had me in the U14 category but decided to challenge me further and I was moved up to the U17 category.  I was very nervous at first as this was a big step up, but then I thought I would just go for it!  All my teammates, coaches, my parents and sister where in the stands rallying around me and pushing me to go faster.  It was amazing and I was able to finish second in the New York capital region in my first indoor race!   

One of the things that inspires me the most is a close supportive team. I have been very fortunate to have amazing teammates in my rowing career. Rowing as we know is a very difficult sport.  My goal is to row at a program that puts importance on a rower’s mental health, and positive assessment and feedback to get the most out of them physically and academically.  A program where supporting your teammates is engrained in the culture to achieve the goal of winning in all we do.

Academics has been challenging at times.  I have a reading comprehension disability and have overcome many obstacles to achieve a 3.3 GPA. My goal by the time I graduate high school is to achieve a 3.7+ GPA.  I have taken the opportunity to meet with teachers early in the morning before school and have had tutors help me at home to learn how to navigate my comprehension issue.  I look forward to working with my teachers to achieve my academic goals, in pursuit of my dream to row in college. I plan to continue working with my professors and taking advantage of tutoring at the college level to achieve my goals.

 I have been blessed to have a very encouraging and loving family.  My parents, as many do, have made big sacrifices to make sure I have the support and guidance I need to reach my athletic and academic goals.  Whether it is extra coaching, tutoring, driving me to rowing camps, having team pool parties and movie nights, there support has been the driving force and inspiration for all I do.  Rowing has taught me that I have my mother’s mental toughness to overcome the exhaustion and pain that come with rowing year round at the club varsity and college level.  But most importantly through my parent’s constant dedication and love I know I can focus on achieving my dream of rowing in college.