Personal Statement
My name is Llian Riedel and I am a junior, currently attending Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, NJ. I've been rowing and training for the Ridgewood Crew team for the past three and a half years. Under the leadership of our head coach, Boris Roque Alvarez, my team and I have developed excellent technique on the water as both scullers and sweepers. Generally, I race in a quad; however, I have also raced in eights and doubles. I am quite versatile when it comes to boat positions; I have been both a successful bow and a stroke in a quad and double. I can row both starboard and port in an eight, but am more often placed on port side. Due to the sudden onset of COVID-19, I have dedicated much of my summer to improving my rowing in a single. I have continued to erg and train on my own for the last few months. In addition, I have competed in virtual erg competitions, both local and national.
I train with my team as well as on my own, during season and off-season. In my free time, I lift with the Girl's Weight Lifting Club at RHS. I take my academics very seriously, and I currently take several honors classes. I am enrolled in AHLISA (American History Integrated Study of the Arts), an honors program, which I applied to and was accepted.
My interests outside of rowing include hiking, climbing, music, and filmmaking. I dedicate my free time to making videos that help nonprofit organizations and strengthen the community. I am also an active member of the RHS TV Club, a group of students that produce news videos about current happenings locally and nationally. Furthermore, I play the cello in the RHS Chamber Orchestra, the highest level orchestra offered at my school.
I would like to attend a College or University that takes my academics and goals as seriously as I do. Not only am I a passionate rower and athlete, but I am committed to my team and teammates. I am looking for a program that not only satisfies my athletic aspirations as a rower, but fulfills my academic ambitions.
I will not only provide you with my best possible athleticism, but with consistent academic performance and hard-working nature. Thank you for your consideration in me, as I hope to one day be a valuable member of your crew team.
