Katherine Benzon '23 Recruiting Profile

Hi Coaches!  

My name is Katherine Grace “KG” Benzon and I am currently a senior at Regents School of Austin. 

I became familiar with rowing when I started attending Orange Theory with my mother in 2020. Of course, those ‘rowing’ machines were not exactly rowing. However, in a short amount of time I found myself competing against many of the adults in class. My father checked my erg times against those in college rowing and thought that I may be competitive at that level if I tried and enjoyed the actual sport of rowing. So last fall, I joined Austin Rowing Club (ARC). 

There are many things that I have grown to love about rowing. First, I love the competitiveness I can bring upon myself and on the lake racing against the other teams. Within two months of joining ARC, I was the stroke seat for our novice 8+. I was able to push myself and help lead others. The joy I had competing against other adults in my fitness classes did not compare to leading our novice 8+ to first place in my first regatta. It was euphoric!

Second, I love the team aspect of rowing. While I’ve been the stroke seat for novice 8+ and 4+ boats as well as youth 4- boats at regional and national competitions, the opportunity to lead and the patience to learn from the other girls on my team has been inspiring. I’ve realized that although I’ve only been in this sport for eight months, I want to pursue rowing at the collegiate level.

Third, I love what rowing has done for me mentally and physically. I’m already a highly organized student and have strong time management skills. However, my endurance had not been truly tested. My mindset had been focused on myself, like every other teenager. My physical conditioning was average to above average, but I was not dedicated. While I know I still have a lot to learn about myself, my focus these last few months have become refined. My mindset has shifted from “me” focused to “team” focused. I’ve realized that our boat can win only if everyone works together and helps each other. I see the value in setting and embracing a “team” culture. 

I strive to come off the water satisfied, knowing that I put 100% into every aspect of practice. For my efforts this past season, ARC awarded me the “Hammer Award” for novice rowers in honor of my hard work, which included the fastest 2k and 2nd fastest 5k on our 30+ member novice squad. Moving forward, I’m putting in the time and effort to improve myself as a rower and I look forward to serving on a rowing team in college.

Youtube Channel with extra videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHpORGP3Zn8bHSbaOc-Xy-w