Kylie McCants '25 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Kylie McCants, and I am a 17-year-old Junior. I first started crew after my friend signed up for the fall in freshman year. Looking for a fresh start and a new community, I signed up as well. Today, I am so thankful for that decision as it has allowed me to grow as a person and leader in athletics.

The past three years I have focused on pushing myself beyond what I thought my limits were and stepped out of my comfort zone for more leadership roles. Each year I have gained more experience, patience and drive to compete at a high level.

Previously, I started playing lacrosse in 3^rd grade. Giving it up was a hard choice for me because I was leaving years of commitment to so many people that I loved and admired. After my first fall season, I found that I loved the pains of rowing, from my blistered hands to the cold winter practices and found myself looking forward to them more than anything else.

As a predominantly sculling team, I honed on my 2x and 4x skills. However, I learned to bow in the spring and competed in the 4- at regionals and nationals last year. I enjoy rowing all boat classes and I am so thankful for the opportunities I have in both sculling and sweeping. 

Every day when I enter the boathouse, I make sure to leave behind any negativity or emotions because I know it impacts my team and my training. As a teammate I always look to bring in positive energy and build community, even though I am quite introverted. Chatting with the novices and playing some good music while I drive them down to practice every day allows me to bring the proper energy and mindset.  

I am looking for a college that could help me explore careers in the STEM field but also push me athletically and physically. I want to row because I love the sport, and I am a good teammate because I am hardworking, focused, and highly competitive. I find that I thrive in communities that are committed to making the team as well as the individual better every day. I set high standards for myself and do what it takes to achieve those standards.