Young Athletes Find Success in Rowing with Asheville Youth Rowing Association

Asheville Youth Rowing Association Prepares Young Athletes for College Rowing

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Youth Rowing Association is making waves as several young North Carolina athletes gear up to head off to college this fall to pursue their passion for rowing. The association emphasizes the importance of teamwork and synchronization in achieving their goals on the water.

According to the Asheville Youth Rowing Association, rowing is gaining popularity among women, with opportunities for college scholarships thanks to Title IX. Louise Coates, a member of the association, shares her journey of falling in love with rowing after being encouraged by a friend during her freshman year of high school. Transitioning from soccer to rowing, Coates found a sense of self-achievement and mental strength through the sport.

For Madeline Halfacre, rowing serves as an escape from the distractions of daily life, allowing her to focus solely on the water and the team. As the women’s crew captain, Halfacre takes pride in supporting her teammates and being a valuable asset to the team.

Despite the challenges and intensity of rowing, senior rower Emerson Linthicum believes that the sport has allowed him to become the best version of himself, fostering confidence and personal growth. The dedication and hard work of these high school seniors are evident as they practice six days a week to hone their skills.

All three seniors, Coates, Halfacre, and Linthicum, have committed to rowing in college, with Coates heading to Virginia Tech, Halfacre to Stetson University, and Linthicum to the University of Kansas. The Asheville Youth Rowing Association welcomes athletes as young as 12 years old, providing a platform for aspiring rowers to develop their skills and pursue their dreams in the sport.