Ava McClean '21 Recruiting Profile

I am inspired by my coach Judith Ungemach, who is a level 3 coach. Judith took my older brother Alexander McClean to the Tokyo Junior Worlds in 2019. I admire her drive to coach rowers to the best they can be and her vast technical knowledge in the sport. 

I enjoy hanging out with my mates at the rowing club. During the holidays we all row from 6 am to 12 pm and afterwards we all jump on a boat and drive around Sydney harbour, finding insane beaches to swim eat watermelon and have competitions.

While winning the Head of The River and Australian U17 National titles were a highlight of my rowing career (so far), as well as travelling to Cincinnati to compete at the American Club Nationals was amazing.

This season I'm aiming to make the Australian Junior Worlds 2020 team to go compete in Bled, Slovenia. Training at Mosman Rowing club I can focus towards Nationals and worlds. My longer-term goals include going to America for higher education and rowing. But due to the coronavirus I'm now aiming for the 2021 Junior worlds in my final schoolgirl season!

I was in grade 9 (14 years old) when I made it into the Pymble Ladies' College schoolgirl first 8+, then relocating to Queenwood School For Girls where I also qualified for the first 8+ in grade 9. I am able to row both sides but mainly on stroke-side and I do enjoy stroking the boat, while coaches move me around to suit the crew in stroke, four or six seat.