Lucy Fortner '24 Recruiting Profile

 As a coxswain I am persistent each day to learn from myself and my experiences, as well as from the people around me. I have learned to be adaptable and can be dependable in tough situations. While being aware of my surroundings, no matter the circumstances,  I remain calm for my rowers. My goal for each practice is to make it efficient and not waste any water, which most of my coaches can count on me for.

I always plan ahead and am prepared whether it be practice, race day or test day. Prior to every race I check the weather, wind speed, event time, two events before and after my race, lane, the boats entered into our event and the lineups. This is just one small part I do before a race to be prepared and stay on schedule for race day. 

As a coxswain I try to promote unity as one team, one boat and one mindset. One way I develop this is by going over the race plan the night before our race making sure everyone is on the same page. At the end of these group discussions I ask if there is anything specific the boat would like to hear at any specific point throughout the race. As a coxswain my trust with my team is extremely important. When I deliver specific calls they requested during steady state, pieces, and races it develops their ability to rely on me during important races. I am always open to any critique, advice, suggestions from the team and coaches. No matter what boat I am placed in, I always desire to make that boat the fastest possible boat it can be. I realize I can learn something new from every practice, workout or race

During my Spring season, as a sophomore coxswain we placed fourth at the 2022 Stotesbury Cup in the women's senior 4+ category. Between Stotesbury and our last race of the season, I talked to my coaches privately; together we developed more engaging and specific calls for each rower. As a result of focused practices, we won Canadian Nationals (CSSRA Championships) with the same lineup. 

 I have been coxing year round since Freshman year. I attend all dry land training, take notes or videos while in the coach's boat and even row when we need a seat filled, all of which continues to help me gain perspective. I have improved every day and my devotion to the sport grows each day! I know I still have a lot more to learn and want to be part of a collegiate team where I can contribute and further develop my craft every day, year round.