Building Character and Camaraderie: Rachel Katz Shines in UCLA Rowing’s Second Varsity Four

Sophomore Rachel Katz has found a new sense of camaraderie and character building in her stroke position with UCLA rowing’s second varsity four. After transitioning from the third varsity eight in her first season, Katz expressed her excitement for the technical aspects and teamwork required in the fours, calling it a “different racing style” that is “super electric.”

At the Lake Natoma Invitational, UCLA’s second varsity four shined, contributing to two of the Bruins’ four total wins at the event. Competing against tough opponents like Loyola Marymount and Gonzaga, Katz and her crewmates crossed the finish line with impressive times, showcasing their strong connection and teamwork.

Katz emphasized the importance of the emotional bond formed through rigorous training, stating that it was instrumental in their success on the water. The team’s dedication to making the boat feel like a collective unit and ensuring everyone is fully committed to their goals paid off in their top finishes.

While UCLA’s varsity eight boat faced some challenges during the races, redshirt junior Emily Sutherland remains optimistic about their potential for success. Sutherland highlighted the crew’s maturity and emphasized the need to trust their training and believe in their abilities to compete with other high-performing programs.

With a total of seven race wins so far this season, including victories against USC and LMU, UCLA is poised for continued success as the season progresses. Coach Previn Chandraratna praised the team’s performance at the Lake Natoma Invitational, noting that the experience gained on the Pac-12 course will be invaluable in future meets.

As Katz and her teammates continue to build camaraderie and character on the water, their determination and teamwork will undoubtedly lead them to even greater achievements in the upcoming races.