Annabelle Getchell '27 Recruiting Profile

I’m a high school sophomore, and I fell in love with rowing almost four years ago when I joined my team’s middle school program. I was hooked from the start. After a year on the middle school team, I wanted more of a challenge, so I joined the high school competitive team at the beginning of 8th grade. I started as a novice and quickly got into the racing and competitive side of the sport. That spring, I was honored to be pulled up to varsity boats for select races.

By the summer before freshman year, I officially moved up to varsity and was the only freshman to make it into our first varsity Head of the Charles boat in 2023. Training with teammates two or three years older than me really pushed me—not just as a rower, but in terms of confidence, too. Now I try to be someone the younger rowers and novices can look up to, because I remember how much that support meant to me when I was in their place.

I’m also very coachable. This past fall, training for Head of the Charles was one of the hardest things I’ve done mentally. My coach was constantly giving me feedback—not because I was doing everything wrong, but because she believed I could be better. It was frustrating at times to feel like I was always being watched, but I never stopped listening or trying. Looking back, I’m honestly grateful for it. She saw potential in me, and her high expectations helped me grow into a stronger rower.

Along with rowing full-time on our first varsity boats, I’m also a committed student. I’m at the top of my class and doing well in tough classes, including APs and college-level courses. Balancing school and rowing takes discipline, but I rely on my work ethic to stay on top of both. I’m hoping to attend a college that challenges and supports me, both academically and athletically.