With the last three days of the season full of excitement and success, the UCLA women’s rowing team left Indianapolis with many accomplishments, new experiences and unforgettable memories as it finished off the season ranked No. 12.
“It was an incredible opportunity to race with the top teams in the country,” said sophomore port Aleda Kawalek. “As a team, we were able to continually build on our performances. It was a great event to get some quality race experience and to enhance my athletic maturity.”
On Saturday, UCLA’s varsity eight finished first in the C/D semifinals with a time of 6:40.914, and its varsity four finished first in the C/D semifinals with a time of 7:55.359. In the C finals on Sunday, UCLA’s varsity eight finished in first place with 6:48.995 and its varsity four finished in third place with 7:42.908. After placing fourth in the A/B semifinal on Saturday, UCLA’s second varsity eight competed in the Petite Final on Sunday with a second-place finish of 7:05.603.
“Being a freshman, it was an eye-opening weekend to see the speed from teams around the country, and being right in the mix was amazing to be a part of,” said freshman port Eliza Daniels. “At the end of the race, knowing you and your boatmates gave all you had is all anyone can ask for.”
For the Bruins, their season ended not only with high accomplishments, but also with irreplaceable experiences for the team members. Constantly surrounded by friendly competition and a hardworking team, UCLA shared a sense of sisterhood and family during its victories and defeats. With jokes and smiles filling their times of stress, sadness and joy, the Bruins remind each other that they are one team heading toward the same goals and living by the same motto of “rise up.”
“Each day either on the marina, running on the track, or lifting in Acosta holds special moments where I feel truly lucky to be part of such a hardworking team,” Daniels said. “All the ladies are so driven and determined to give all the sweat and tears they have to push the boat just a little bit faster. I’m honored to be pulling on an oar behind or in front of a member of the Bruin crew.”
For the seniors on the other hand, this season was something more special to them. The Indianapolis waters house the memories of the final races of some of the senior Bruins as they competed under the UCLA name, upholding the UCLA title, traditions and legacies.
“I’d like to acknowledge the seniors,” said coach Amy Fuller Kearney. “They have really made an impact on the program, (and) we are really going to miss them.”