Grayson and the other boys in his boat from the Vashon Island Rowing Club have earned the opportunity to compete against some of the best rowers in the country when they race next week in Florida.

The Rowing club, its coaches, members and volunteers, have a created an inspiring and inclusive community that challenges these young people to find the best of themselves, both on the water and as they grow into compassionate, dedicated, resilient and caring people of strong character. It’s all about the team!

Any contributions will be humbly appreciated as you help fuel these kids on their journey. They will only travel this path towards adulthood once, and they are going to make you proud!

Brendan's year in rowing has been transformational and I am so grateful for the team support. The sport includes teaching about leadership, grit, determination, and working hard with consistency to push for excellence individually, in each boat, and as a team overall. The team also has a behavioral contract for participation, with the kids given expectations for integrity and being their best within and outside the team environment.

This focus has been great for Brendan's energy and attention and how to direct and shape what seems like his boundless physical health and abilities at this point, and it is incredible that he now gets to go compete against the best rowers in the country in his age group. He is BEYOND excited and so are we. The team relies in part on fundraising to support participation for all, and a link is below if you would like to support B's team - anything is appreciated and it all adds up to support the team!

Go Vashon!

I started rowing nine months ago. I love waking up early for regattas - the sunrises are so beautiful. That is the only time I like to wake up early! I like meeting new people and learning this new sport with friends I have known for a long time.

Our U15 4x+ boat just placed second at the PNW regionals and we are headed to Sarasota Florida to compete in Nationals! I am so excited! ~Alden

Arlo has fallen in love with rowing and is very honored to be attending Nationals this year. His crew experience has been so much more positive than we ever could have hoped. He has developed strength, confidence and perseverance, as well as lasting friendships.

The community provided by the Vashon Island Rowing Club has changed Arlo's life and we are so thankful

I’m going to Nationals for rowing! It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to compete against the top rowers in our nation of my age group in Sarasota, FL! Rowing is super important to me because of learning teamwork and supporting my teammates as we get better and better together. Go Vashon! Kai Graham

Kai loves to work in a team, and been seeking a group of people with similar passion and enjoyments of outside and togetherness in learning that he has found solidly in VIRC. He is most excited to support his Y15 boat mates and make sure they feel lifted and energized by his directions and thrilled to support them. This boat is a group of people he has known since preschool and he is elated to help them get better and better each practice and now show the nation how amazing Vashon Island is!

Kai has developed an incredible sense of teamwork, accountability and confidence since starting rowing. He was asked to start learning coxswain and has thrived under the clear directions and encouragements of the coaches, especially coach Delany! She comes home every evening full of smiles and excitement for the accomplishments each day the team experiences learning side by side and cheering each other onward in the learning. Kai loves the process of learning coxing and how to strengthen his team’s goals.

VIRC is a place of belonging, where the friendships and support Alekos receives from both their teammates and coaches are unparalleled.  This phenomenal team atmosphere is unlike any other sports environment they have encountered.  As a coxswain, Alekos works with many different athletes from novices to the top-tier juniors, and even the masters on occasion. These varied experiences have only strengthened Alekos' skills and bolstered their commitment to perform as a strong cox.  Crew has also led to amazing opportunities to compete in many different places outside of Washington, including Eugene OR, Boston MA, Sarasota FL, and Victoria, BC, and given Alekos the chance to work closely with their coaches.

Given the opportunity to attend Nationals for the second time, Alekos reflects on last year's participation with the Boys U15x+ boat and anticipates the upcoming experience with the Girls U16x+ crew. They are thrilled that many teammates will share in this remarkable opportunity. Nationals stands apart from other regattas, immersing participants in competition among the nation's finest youth rowers—a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Coxing has been instrumental in fostering Alekos' confidence, leadership, and determination to strive hard. Introduced to rowing by their older sister Selene, who is also a member of the VIRC team, Alekos experienced firsthand the profound impact this sport can have on one's life. Coxing has provided an avenue for Alekos' strategic thinking and quick decision-making abilities to shine, and motivated them to push their boundaries and expand their skills.

My name is Emily Rock and I joined the crew team as a novice this year. It has been a constant in my life since my first week joining where I was welcomed into the community. It’s a sport that challenges you right from the get go, and even though when you first start you won’t know even how to put your oars in the oarlock, you quickly get to learn and transform your abilities. Once I fell into the steady routine, I saw able to find joy in and appreciation for even the hard things like the teamwork required to carry a boat or the final push in the last few meters of an erg piece. I think rowing pushes you in a way that many other sports won’t, which will undoubtedly not only grow your ability and strength but also confidence and drive to do better everyday. Rowing not only helps you grow individually but you get the privilege of growing with those around you. Everyone on the team has shown me mentorship, respect, and an undying willingness to help their teammates. It is a unique and wonderful experiences to get to have team connections that always wish for your success and is constantly inspiring you to become better, and I feel lucky to get to be apart of this community. The coaches also work everyday to help their athletes improve and have fun, and their dedication and care for their athletes makes all the difference. I am also incredibly grateful for the opportunities that VIRC provides and that me and my teammates get to attend this years nationals in Sarasota. It is only through all the hard work, fundraising, volunteering, donations, commitment of others that this is possible and I’m so glad and appreciative for this opportunity and the effort, time, and energy is being put in to make it as accessible as possible!

Ren joined the team with no experience. After her first day, she knew she wanted to be a part of the team. Since that time she has participated in many regattas and earned award - all in her first year. Being a part of a boat selected to represent Vashon Island Rowing Club at the US National Championships is extremely exciting for Ren, her friends, family. Ren is proud to be a part of the VIRC Team!

Becoming part of Vashon Island Rowing Club in 2023 has been transformational for our daughter. Ren has had a complex childhood and we have watched her blossom from being part of this team. Her self-esteem has grown, she has made a lot of new friends, her grades have improved, she is taking better care of her physical and mental health. We are amazed by her growth since she joined VIRC.

Rose and her teammates have worked very hard this year. Their goal was to improve and have fun at each practice and at each regatta. They have been super dedicated to each other and are so excited to have qualified.

Rose enjoys the exercise and socialization that comes with the crew team. She has found a supportive team that feels like a second family. They are always there for each other and take care of each other. Practice is the highlight of Rose’s day. It’s a good way for her to exercise regularly. If she doesn’t get enough exercise she is unhappy.

The environment that the coaches have made is the best of any team sport Rose has participated in. They make sure that everyone is friendly, respectful and always helpful. The team focuses on skills and improvement - in a friendly and supportive environment.

Ella has had an inspiring season with the Vashon crew. She is grateful to be part of such a dedicated group. The opportunity to row at Nationals has shown Ella what is possible to achieve when you have the support of so many people.

Rowing has been an incredible opportunity for Ella. Rowing has provided an avenue for her to build lasting friendships and community. As well as the obvious physical benefits, rowing has helped Ella to sharpen her organizational and time management skills. Navigating family commitments, a rigorous school schedule and friends whilst still being an active team member. Ella is always happy whilst on the water and loves the dedication and hard work that is required to be part of crew.

Going to Nationals was my goal from the very start of this season but I never thought I would be going with so many of my favorite people. It will a crazy experience that I’m super excited for!

Crew is my second home, the community of people mixed with our three wonderful coaches is like no other. I truly love rowing, although it pushes many mental and physical limits I always have my coach’s and teammates to lean on.

Gwyn became interested in rowing in Oct 2022, the time commitment was intimidating for me as a parent. She persisted - joining practices before she was able to sign up. We signed her up and it's best thing we could have done. She absolutely loves rowing, her team mates and coaches. She is very competitive and going to nationals is the outcome of hard work and dedication.

Rose and her teammates have worked very hard this year. Their goal was to improve and have fun at each practice and at each regatta. They have been super dedicated to each other and are so excited to have qualified.

Rose enjoys the exercise and socialization that comes with the crew team. She has found a supportive team that feels like a second family. They are always there for each other and take care of each other. Practice is the highlight of Rose’s day. It’s a good way for her to exercise regularly. If she doesn’t get enough exercise she is unhappy.

The environment that the coaches have made is the best of any team sport Rose has participated in. They make sure that everyone is friendly, respectful and always helpful. The team focuses on skills and improvement - in a friendly and supportive environment.

For years I was scared of being in any kind of boat, and now I’m rowing hours each day in boats barely wider than me. And the funny part, I LOVE doing it!!! The Vashon Island Rowing team is one of a kind, the best coaches and the best teammates. A group of dedicated and goofy people having fun pushing ourselves to challenging athletic and personal goals.

In the beginning I was very obstinate about joining crew, but now I’m full force dedicated to it and think everyone should row!! I love my teammates and my coaches. Each person adds something to the team environment, a welcoming, challenging, and rewarding place where fun and hard work are one. This spring 2024 season has been one of my favorite seasons yet. I love the girls in my boat. We’ve had hard days pushing our limits, but the reward of getting to row together at nationals is amazing. Our goal is always to “be the boat having the most fun” and we definitely accomplish that!! I’m so excited I get a few extra weeks to row with this special boat of girls! Go ham!!! ;)

Henry lights up when he's shaping a piece of freshly cut lumber or reading adventures of dragons, knights and wizards. Henry was always a keen member of a group of peers on the pitch, or many a season in outfield, yet his internal light did not shine when throwing or kicking a ball. A practiced swimmer, we turned our sights to the water surrounding us and enrolled in rowing summer camp just after Henry's 13th birthday.

With oars in hands, a new essence stirred, strength gained, stroke practiced and speed came. With this speed came steady confidence and a keen intrinsic reward for a hard earned sweat. An athlete was born at Vashon Island Rowing Club. And a dream is lived. A dream to be part of something bigger than oneself. An aspiration to be the best version of who Henry can be. Rowing. It changes people and we're so grateful for this Club and its mission. Thank you, Vashon Island Rowing Club.

To me, crew is not just a sport. It's a way of life. It takes a lot of hard work and committment that you can never get a break from. But the reward of improving yourself physically and mentally is priceless as is the camaraderie. Everyone, coaches included, gets along and has eachother's backs. It's more like a second family than just a sports team.

Rowing has truly changed Quentin’s life and become an integral part of his identity. The team, the coaches, and the culture of the VIRC boathouse is everything a parent could dream to have for a kid. He’s learned accountability, responsibility, good sportsmanship, teamwork, mentorship skills, and also has been shown how determination, grit, and hard work can really pay off. I love that Quentin has found something he is so passionate about, and I especially love that it's something as challenging as rowing.

This will be Quentin's third year competing at Nationals, and I loved the answer Quentin gave recently to someone that asked what it was like to go to Nationals. He said, "It's not necessarily fun, but it's amazing!"

Crew has seriously become a huge part of my life. I've learned so much, like how to work as a team, the pure joy of being out on the water, and that hard work actually pays off. I’m excited to be going to Nationals for the third time. Representing VIRC is a big deal for me. It's been an awesome journey, and I'm proud of how far we've come. ~Xander

As Xander’s mom, I’ve seen him grow and thrive in remarkable ways. He takes more responsibility in staying on top of his schoolwork, he helps out more at home, he’s better at communicating. with me and his teachers. Xander tried so many sports and never found one he really enjoyed. That all changed the summer he signed up for rowing at VIRC with his buddies in 2023. He was instantly hooked and has been rowing non-stop since.

Crew is such an engaging, get-outside-and-off-screens, interactive sport. The coaches have been incredible role models teaching discipline, teamwork, and care for teammates, equipment, and nature. We are incredibly grateful for the sport, the coaches and VIRC!