Dillan Pakes '25 Recruiting Profile

Why Rowing and Why Me?   

I don’t have to tell you about rowing being a thrilling and challenging sport requiring teamwork, coordination, and endurance - most team sports are. I also don’t need to explain how each rower has a job to do and to do that job, they must be completely synchronized, operating together like a well-oiled machine – that’s expected teamwork. For me, it is all about passion, dedication, and discipline. It is being part of a crew with a common goal and value: To have the GRIT and DRIVE to be the best on the course.  

Motivational talks, posters, or rallies aren’t enough to give crew members a reason to get up early and put a boat in the freezing cold water or push themselves for hours just to get a little bit better than they were yesterday. Having a shared vision, grit, and drive will and that is exactly what my experience has been – on the water, every single day, working on precision, speed, and synchronicity. Building bonds with my crew based on a common value and goal – knowing how to work best together – developing into a high-performing team where we are so intuitively in sync, almost nothing can get in our way; because when you sit with winners, the conversation is entirely different.  

My name is Dillan Pakes and I have thrived in rowing since initially participating in a small summer program in my 8th grade year. Growing up I played several sports including football, soccer, baseball, and basketball but it wasn’t until I got into an 8-person shell with an oar in my hand, did I find my true calling.  

Rowing has been the foundation in building my confidence, giving me the skills, abilities, and talents to succeed. As a sophomore, I earned a seat right out of my freshmen season into the stroke seat of first Varsity boats across both high school and club level programs. I received leadership awards, have been singled out as the best rower within the Varsity team, pulled to compete in age groups higher than my own, and described as a quick learner with a drive to excite and inspire others.   

Rowing has pushed me beyond my limits yet provided rewarding experiences that have built character and camaraderie and I’m looking for the right college fit for that next step. I am committed and consistent, appreciative of the opportunities rowing has allowed me. Specifically building my leadership and motivational qualities, while enjoying the process including very successful victories. It is my GRIT and DRIVE to be the best, the fastest, the target for all to strive to beat and challenge. I expect college to be the catalyst for the advanced opportunities I strive for, athletically and academically - combining the two will make it a fantastic opportunity with experiences to last a lifetime.