Madeline Toaso '20 Recruiting Profile

Pushing myself and others to do our best for the team is what I strive to do every day, at every practice, and at every regatta.  I experienced the results of these efforts during my freshman season in 2017 when my boat placed first at Virginia States, fourth at Stotesbury, sixth at Nationals, and fourth at Canadian Secondary Nationals.  I was chosen as the freshman girls MVP and named one of the captains for this season because of my leadership skills and willingness to cooperate and work with anyone.  My work ethic has also earned me a position on the varsity 1 boat as a sophomore this season.

What makes me a great candidate for your team is that I am coachable, I don’t quit, nor complain.  I listen to the coaches and make corrections without having to be told again because I know doing so will make me a stronger rower for my team.  Whether at school or at crew, I give 110% and this is proven by my GPA and boat placement.  Part of what has helped shape me into who I am has been my ability to overcome the obstacle of stuttering.  I have never let it slow me down, lower my confidence, nor get in the way of achieving my goals. 

Finally, I have been rowing since I was twelve years old as a novice over several summers.  After competing and lettering on the freshman girls’ basketball and junior varsity lacrosse teams during my eighth-grade year, I committed to rowing in the fall of 2016 as a freshman.  I row for the Old Dominion Boat Club select team during the fall seasons and the T.C. Williams High School Rowing team during the spring seasons.  I participate in the summer and winter training sessions and also have lettered on the varsity swim team.