Pippa Soyka Rozendaal '25 Recruiting Profile

Rowing mantra: "Get your grit; push through it..."

Rowing bit me in my first year of high school. I was aiming for soccer in college, but the intensity and skill of rowing won me over. When I row, I constantly improve myself and push hard to keep finding my best. I am relentless! I want to row and compete at the college or university level. 

I have won gold at Stotesbury and been ranked silver in doubles at the Canadian Junior Nationals.... but I still want better. This summer, I trained with Call Collins at the Tampa Rowing School and focused on sculling technique and erg training. With her introduction to tabata and great talks on pushing through the performance wall, I am aiming for top 5 at the Head of the Charles 2024 and a faster erg score for this fall.

I am one driven, hard working, super focused, steady competitive rower. Like a Habanero hot pepper, I will be your powerhouse sculler or sweep.

I may be smaller than the average lightweight, but when I can deadlift 230lbs and still improve, I know I have what it takes to be a stellar rower. Lionel Messi defied his height... so can I. I constantly analyze and work on my technique and balance. I do extra weight, erg and tech workouts above Club training. My bronze this June at the national level and silvers at Henley are only the beginning of my row career. 

In the classroom, I am a motivated and meticulous student. I have reached ahead with summer advance grade courses multiple times, and achieved almost perfect grades. My teachers appreciate my organization, task initiation, and diligence. I observe, listen and apply. Although quieter, I am not afraid to participate in class discussions or lead with new ideas. Outside of class, I have been involved in my community with more than 50+ volunteer service hours. My aim is likely the sciences with an eye on a future career in medicine or tech. 

In setting athletic goals, I am driven. I persevere and fully commit. When he heard of my national bronze, my former Niagara International FC soccer coach wrote: "I always knew she had something special in her and I didn't care what sport she did, I knew she would succeed." A sports psychologist I spoke to constantly asked if I was a university athlete because my focus and understanding of sport and mental endurance was more developed than his college clients.

I am your picante, stubborn, committed rower. I want to race and grow with a very competitive college or university rowing program and notable academic program. I am that steady reliable team player who supports and believes in crew. If you have a committed gutsy women's program... I want in!