Kyle Abramson '20 Recruiting Profile

Rowing has taught me perseverance and focus. It constantly reminds me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle due to the mental strength I have gained through this sport. Rowing in college will provide me with the discipline, support, and friendships that I would like to continue throughout my life.

My greatest accomplishment in rowing has been my ability to come back from an ultimate frisbee injury to my right knee at the beginning of 10th grade. It set me back an entire year because I chose to have MACI surgery to regrow the cartilage from my own cells. The benefit of this type of surgery is that my own cells re-grew and repaired the damaged area of cartilage to where I am now 100% healed, but the procedure limited me to only walking for a year; no running, twisting, swimming, kneeling - nothing! It was extremely difficult to have to suddenly put the brakes on and learn how to be very patient,  but I still attended every crew practice, every regatta, and even learned I could fit in the boat to cox during exhibitions and practices. 

When I was cleared in November 2019 and received the results of my final MRI in February 2019 that I was 100% healed, I began training with my high school crew team. I asked my coach for extra practice sets since my high school team only practices three times a week. I joined CrossFit and began personal training sessions. Slowly, I regained my strength. I brought my erg time down from a 7:18 in March 2019,  to a 7:12 in April 2019, a 7:06 in May 2019, a 7:57 in July 2019, 6:51 in September 2019,  6:49 in November 2019, and a 6:46 in February 2020.

At the end of May 2019, my high school crew coach, Jim Cody, introduced me to Coach Oksana Tsimbalova from Advanced Community Rowing Association and I began rowing with ACRA on June 2, 2019. My practices went from three days a week with my high school team to six days a week with many double practices and lots of weightlifting. In order to improve my strength and technique, Coach Tsimbalova has me sculling in a single at every practice - there is no doubt I am stronger than I have ever been.

Given the opportunity to row for a college crew team, I will bring with me the knowledge, mental toughness, and heart of an athlete that understands what it takes to rise up from a major setback. My weakness became my greatest strength and I hope I have an opportunity to share this with you.