The Pacific University Women’s Rowing team starts their early morning practices by meeting up at the Stoller Center, loading up into a team van, and heading to the lake. Unlike any other sports program, the rowing team gets to watch the sunrise from their boats during early morning practices on Henry Hagg Lake. The sunlight appears behind the trees and glistens onto the calm water.
“The mornings where the fog is lifting off the water at sunrise brings an element of peace to the team, and the sunsets with pink clouds reflecting off the water are nothing like you would experience if you were on campus,” said Head Coach Charlotte Copp.
First-year head coach Charlotte Copp wants to add as many people as interested this spring to be more competitive and get more boats out on the water. The team has had a bumpy start due to coaching changes and COVID-19. The program is in a rebirth period and has already tripled since the last 2021 season. The team is eager to start the season.
Student-athletes interested have the opportunity to take a trial period during February. A team roster looks to be finalized on March 1st to prepare for the competition, but exceptions are granted by reaching out to the Head Coach (copp@pacificu.edu).
The students at Pacific University are welcome to join the Women’s Rowing Team with no experience required. Coach Copp is passionate about teaching people rowing and wishes to continue to grow the program.
“I will meet you where you are at, and I love teaching people how to row because I believe it’s a sport that is like no other, and you have to try it before you know if it’s for you,” said Copp.
The rowing team has adopted a growth and learning mindset that encourages the athletes to learn, have fun, and work out. The Boxer rowing team looks forward to building a strong team culture and is excited to move in towards that goal.
“They want more people on the team because they understand how special the sport is and want to share that,” said Copp. “They know the more people we have, the more competitive we will be.”
— Emily Rutkowski
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Hobbies: soccer, track, being outside, hiking, writing
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