With one year of NCAA varsity recognition under its belt, Seattle University is taking on Division I athletics with high expectations and one very dedicated team of women. Seattle University is a small Jesuit university that is well known for its competitive academic agenda. As a former national team contender, student-athlete, and assistant coach at the University of Washington, the newly announced head coach Jenny Park hopes to create an atmosphere where “passion for the sport” will drive the women’s program forward.
“We are very lucky to be rowing out of Seattle Rowing Center, not only is it located on the most protected area of water in the area, but we have access to many great resources. The many RowPerfects that are readily available are an all-around excellent learning and training tool.”
The Seattle rowing program benefits tremendously from its prime location: “We are very lucky to be rowing out of Seattle Rowing Center, not only is it located on the most protected area of water in the area, but we have access to many great resources. The many RowPerfects that are readily available are an all-around excellent learning and training tool.” Park goes on to say, “The city of Seattle is a rowing mecca. There are so many clubs in the area; it is a very tight knit community.” On a smaller scale, the rowing community in Seattle also reflects the tight bonds between coach and student-athletes at Seattle University. When asked about what the team values, Park had plenty to say about the spirited young program, “At Seattle U, you will not only learn to become a successful Division I student-athlete, but gain leadership skills, confidence in all aspects of life, and how to be a great teammate. I think we’re one of the most enthusiastic teams on campus. The women are competitive but very supportive of each other at the same time. We are always excited to get out and row. We have a great time." As a new coach with a long history in rowing, Park reinforces the importance of goal-setting by meeting with each rower. “Goals are important. We focus on the small ones to achieve the big ones.”
"I think we’re one of the most enthusiastic teams on campus. The women are competitive but very supportive of each other at the same time. We are always excited to get out and row. We have a great time."
With a strong emphasis on goals and an enthusiastic group of student-athletes, Seattle University finished their inaugural season as a varsity program with a first place finish in the Novice 8+ petite finals and even qualifying for grand finals in the Varsity 8+ at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships (WIRA’s). When asked about their exciting close to the season Park assertively replied, “We surprised a few people in our inaugural season. Seattle University’s program will only continue to grow and have many more successes!”
