Ivan Balakersky '25 Recruiting Profile

[Out of season since January 2024 due to a pars fracture]

I have been passionate about rowing ever since I first set a finger on an oar. I love the adrenaline, the teamwork, the discipline, the work you put in, and the friendships you make along the way. 

Collegiate-wise, my goals revolve around maintaining a balance between athletic performance and academics while achieving significant milestones in rowing. I aspire to win the VSRC State Championship and step onto the podium at both SRAA Nationals and the Stotesbury Cup Regatta before I graduate, along with providing success to any team I row with. I stand out as a strong candidate due to my adaptability, commitment to teamwork, and willingness to contribute effectively. Despite not being the biggest or strongest athlete, I excel in technique on the water and can provide more power than expected of my size and weight. I can row in various boat configurations (specifically eights and fours), and I'm adaptable to rowing on different sides as needed, with port being my dominant side. My prior experience as a coxswain also adds versatility to my skill set. I also prioritize physical conditioning - I am dedicated to staying in top shape year-round, as I recognize the importance of peak physical performance and the demands of collegiate-level competition. Outside of athletics, I maintain a strong GPA of 3.85 (out of 4.0), demonstrating my ability to balance academics with athletics.