Madeline Hillenbrand '28 Recruiting Profile

Growing up I played every sport you could think of and I just never found somewhere I felt like I belonged until the summer of 8th grade when my mom signed me up for a rowing camp, which I was very unhappy about at the time, but after that week I automatically signed up for the next week. Before the season started I had to decide between playing multiple sports or dedicate my time to rowing but after thinking about it I knew how I felt about rowing and knew the boathouse was where I wanted to spend my days. It was hard going from practicing rarely 3 times a week to 6 days a week but I had such a passion, a passion I've never had with anything else in my life, I would have rather been at the boathouse than my own house. Rowing has grown my self-confidence tremendously, being surrounded by the most supportive teammates and the best coaches helped expand my love for the sport. I would describe myself as very determined and persistent, I’m not one to give up no matter how hard it gets. My coaches and fellow teammates have described me as committed and driven in this sport in a way they haven't seen other people be. As only a freshman I'm in the top 8 fastest for all test pieces, with multiple podium finishes at regattas and with 3 more years left I strive to become a better and faster rower as my goal is to be able to commit and row in college.