La Pietra Student and Rowing Team Represents Hawaii at Head of Charles
November 18th, 2022
Junior Sabrina G. and Ikaika Hawaii Rowing compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta.
By Elyssa A.
Back in October, junior Sabrina G. and her rowing team raced at the Head of the Charles Regatta, the world’s largest three-day rowing competition. The highly celebrated, three-mile race was held from October 20-23 on Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, both large rowing cities.
“People from all over the world were at the race, including people from clubs throughout the U.S.,” Sabrina says.
Sabrina’s rowing team, Ikaika Hawaii Rowing, was the first to ever represent from Hawaii at the regatta. Her team was also the first in 50 years to race at any regatta on the mainland. Ikaika Hawaii Rowing finished in 20.22 minutes, breaking their goal of 20.40 minutes. The team also placed 65th out of 90 boats.
“My team’s biggest strength is our laughter on the team and our humor. Everyone is so supportive – there is never bad energy – and we suffer together, which builds a bond between us,” she says. “We’re pushing each other, we’re working for each other. If you’re not working hard, then you’re not helping the boat and you want to do well for your teammates.”
Sabrina is first and foremost a paddler, which made rowing a challenge for her initially as she adapted to the new sport.
“I didn’t really want to row because there were early morning practices and it was hard,” she says. “I liked the paddling lifestyle of cruising on the water during sunset.”
However, when competing at the Head of the Charles Regatta was within reach for Sabrina, she discovered a new purpose to row. “My passion for the sport grew when we began training for the Head of the Charles because practicing gave rowing a meaning,” she says.
Sabrina’s relationship with her team and her love for rowing grew immensely, so much so that she plans to pursue the sport in college. Rowing laid the foundation for Sabrina’s strong mindset while competing. She has grown mentally and physically through endurance, commitment, and hard work.
