On October 5th, under rain and windy conditions, the school’s Rowing team opened their 2024-2025 season with an amazing performance at the Head of the Indian Creek Regatta in Miami Beach, bringing home an impressive three golds and one silver medal. Competing in challenging conditions, the team showed skill and determination in their first-ever 4k race, proving their preparation and resilience in the face of challenging weather.

In preparing for this regatta, the team focused on endurance, knowing distance would be the key challenge. 

“We knew this race was all about distance,” team captain Nina Padron said. “Therefore, erging double and triple the distance along with circuit training would be the best way to prepare us.”

This rigorous training approach contributed to their impressive performance, setting them up for success in each race category.

The team, although still new, has expanded significantly since last year. 

“Last year our team consisted of about 15 girls ; now the team has grown to double the size,” Padron explained. 

With a larger team, Lourdes Rowing now has the opportunity to compete at prestigious regattas like the upcoming “Head of the Hooch” regatta in Tennessee. 

“My goal this year is to make sure the new girls fall in love with the sport like I did,” Padron added, expressing her commitment to fostering enthusiasm and dedication among the new team members.

In the Women’s Youth Freshman/Novice 4+ category, the boat consisting of Nina Padron, Abby Gonzalez, Gabby Stoetzer, Angie Perenzuela, and coxswain Caro Rodriguez claimed first place. Later, Janelle Gonzalez, Isa Macario, Priah Cruz Cruz, Paola Rodriguez, and Caro Rodriguez as coxswain, secured another gold in the Women’s Youth Freshman/Novice 8+ category.

Their success did not stop there. In the Women’s Youth 4x category, Priah Cruz Cruz, Isa Macario, Janelle Gonzalez, and Paola Rodriguez earned a strong second-place finish, winning silver. Finally, the team of Eva Diaz, Serina Bligh, Sophia Gonzalez, and Alexis Gimenez secured yet another first place in the Women’s Youth Freshman/Novice 4x event.

“At first, we came from different friend groups, but the precision of our sport and practicing every day has brought us closer,” junior Janelle Gonzalez said. “I know I can count on these girls for anything.”

This regatta was especially significant as it marked the team’s first official race as a recognized sports team here at school. Competing in a 4,000-meter race for the first time, the team used the event as a crucial stepping stone for their upcoming 5,000-meter race at the “Head of the Hooch” Regatta in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 1-3. 

“This event is important because it helps us prepare for longer races,” junior Abby Gonzalez said. “We’ve only done 1,500-meter races before, and this was a great way to know what a 5,000-meter race will feel like.”

With determination, skill, and the support of their coaches, families, and friends, the Lourdes Rowing Team has proven they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their sights are now set on their next big challenge in Tennessee.