Nine Piedmont High School rowers brought home medals from the US Rowing Southwest Youth Regional Championships, held on Lake Natoma near Sacramento, over the weekend of May 1 to 3. Eight rowers are headed to the US Rowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida, in June.
Junior Sophia Brenner and senior Geneva Johnson rowed in the gold medal Women’s Varsity 8+, the club’s first regional V8+ title in 12 years. Johnson has committed to row at Boston University in the fall.
“I think about how many people came before us and how big of a deal [us staying motivated] is for them.” Johnson said.
Senior Senan Brodie rowed bow in the silver medal Men’s Straight Four with junior Connor Cross in the three seat. Brodie has committed to row at the University of Pennsylvania (lightweight).
“When you spend that much time with your teams, you naturally gain a bond. We all knew we wanted this really bad,” Johnson said.
Senior Laurel Minor rowed bow in the silver-medal Women’s 2V 8+ and will attend the University of Virginia.
“For our pre-race warm up, we do a hype circle, and mosh into a hype circle, and that’s something that helps us stay motivated [throughout the race],” Minor said.
Sophomores Paige Young and Amelia Callaway rowed in the Women’s 3V 8+, which qualified for Nationals. Sophomore Diego Branneria rowed bow in the Men’s Pair (with senior Russell Arroyo of St. Mary’s at stroke), which qualified for Nationals. Junior Sophia Brenner also took home a silver in the Women’s Pair and qualified that boat for Nationals.
“I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but it’s easy to push yourself to do more. There’s always more you can do.” Johnson said.
Senior Audrey Dickinson rowed in an Oakland Strokes 4V crew that took silver in the Women’s Youth 3V 8+ A Final, earning a regional medal in a non-qualifying race. She will attend UC Santa Barbara.
“I think when you’re rowing, trust is really important for teamwork.” Dickinson said.
Johnson and Brodie are two of 15 Oakland Strokes seniors who will row in college next year.
“What I’m most proud of is that the entire team worked for these results,” said Oakland Strokes Director of Rowing Allison Ray. “Sending the 1V, 2V, and 3V to Nationals together is a first for our club. That speaks to the strength of Oakland.”
