For four months, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Novice Girls’ Rowing Team has been training five times a week for their upcoming first regatta, or rowing race. There are 14 girls on the team: Gianna Attento, Harper Ballard, Mia Brinkerhoff, Teah Campbell, Hailey Chaiken, Elena Devito, Alana Fernandes, Olivia Hickey, Brianna Kruse, Melina Lopez, Stella Sirmans, Makenna Stack, Maite Thorndike and Emily Zgrzemski. 

The girls are both excited and nervous for their first race of the season. A member from the team, Gianna Attento, says, “I’m feeling nervous but also excited since this is our first race, and I’m excited to be with my team.” The girls spend many hours at the boathouse practicing. Makenna Stack adds, “To prepare for the regatta this week, I’ve been making sure I use my best efforts at practice, since how you practice is how you race.” The race will take place at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on December 6th and 7th. After weeks of rigorous training and early morning practices, the team is eager to put their hard work to the test. They are ready to face the challenge ahead, hoping to make a strong impression in their debut competition.

To see results, CLICK HERE