Following a lackluster performance at Sunday’s Pac-12 championship in which UCLA women’s rowing finished below fifth in every race, seniors on the team were left wondering whether this would be the last time they crossed the finish line.
On Tuesday, these fears were confirmed as No. 17 UCLA was not among the 22 teams chosen to advance to the NCAA races, ending the Bruins’ season. However, the sting of an abrupt ending for the graduates is soothed by a lasting connection with the team, the ability to pass on their love for the sport and the knowledge that a bright future lies ahead for UCLA rowing.
“The most rewarding part about it is that I’m graduating with a group of girls that truly epitomize competitive greatness, integrity, commitment and all the great things that a student athlete can offer,” said senior coxswain Chloe Kojima.
Senior port Kate Miller said the group of seniors had an electricity from the moment they stepped on campus as freshmen, building both as a team and as a family. The rower said she hopes the level of commitment they have delivered to help build the program is extended into future seasons.
“I hope our love for the sport and the team and what we’re striving for really rubs off on the freshmen,” Miller said. “I think they understand what it takes to be a four-year rower and to really commit to investing in the program and to eventually get us on the NCAA podium which is where everyone thinks we’re headed.”
While eight other seniors are in the same boat as Kojima and Miller, 35 Bruins will be returning to the team, 29 of whom are freshmen and sophomores this year. Moving forward with young talent could give UCLA an advantage in upcoming seasons.
“Passing B”
The year started out strong for UCLA taking first against Loyola Marymount and performing well during the San Diego Crew Classic, but the tides would turn as it faced stronger competition, namely USC and other top-level Pac-12 opponents in April and May.
The Bruins referred to the season constantly as a building year with a high level of talent coming in and a brutal finish to the season to light a fire in next year’s returners.
“Our coach used the phrase, ‘You can’t get from A to C before passing B,’ and I think this was sort of us passing B,” Miller said. “We had a really big freshman class just kind of stepping into their role here and learn what that level was and what they’re striving for.”
Though not a satisfying ending, it may have been the push the Bruins needed to guide the fresh team to the podium in the future. The competitive tail end of the schedule served well to prepare the young UCLA team for next-level standards in the near future. The expectations for the upcoming season have been set high.
“Next year, great things are going to happen,” Kojima said. “It’s bittersweet since I can’t be a part of it but I am very excited to pass over the reins and see what they do.”
Compiled by Nicole Becannon, Bruin Sports contributor.