Team helps rowers achieve collegiate dreams

By Shaelyn Stone

White Rock Rowing (WRR), the only Dallas rowing club to hold multiple national youth championship trophies (2014, 2021), returned home this week  after showcasing the talent of 32 nationally-competitive athletes at the 2024 USRowing National Youth Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla. Of the five races WRR participated in, three of them placed in the top 15 of the nation.

 White Rock Rowing’s impressive performance against 4,000+ athletes and 220+ clubs included Mens U 16 8+ placing 12th in the nation, the Women’s U16 8+ placing 14th in the nation, and the Men’s Youth 4- placing 14th in the nation.

“White Rock Rowing places oars and opportunities in the hands of Dallas area youth, and that’s exactly what we did this season. It’s so rewarding to see these youth compete at the highest level for their age group, and to compete well! They’ve set an excellent example of leadership and perseverance, both on and off the water, for all of Dallas this season. We’re proud to call them our rowers!” said Sue Ellen Chambers, president of White Rock Boathouse, Inc., the nonprofit that manages White Rock Rowing.

 Recruiters from some of the top rowing colleges, including California Berkley, Syracuse, Dartmouth and Boston University were present at the event and spoke to several WRR athletes following their impressive performance and placements in the B Finals.

 “That’s why White Rock Rowing makes it a point to always have a presence at the Youth Nationals — it’s a strategic way to expose our athletes to recruiters and help them achieve their collegiate dreams. It’s our privilege to play a part in these young athletes’ futures,” said Kevin Jones, program director for White Rock Rowing.

 More than 220 junior rowing clubs from across the nation took to the 2,000-meter racecourse during nationals from June 6-9. White Rock Rowing results are as follows:

B Finals 

• Mens U16 8+ | 4th place (12th in nation overall)

• Womens U16 8+ | 6th place (14th in nation overall)

• Mens Youth 4- | 6th place (14th in nation overall) D Finals 

• Mens Youth 4+ | 2nd place

• Womens U17 4+ | 2nd place

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