Rower Connection: Sarah Lazzaro
How did you find the sport of rowing? Or did it find you?
Sarah’s first rowing race as part of the Bryant Women’s Rowing Team
I came across the rowing club at the activities fair my freshman year of college. I didn’t know anyone who had done rowing, but it seemed like a great way to stay active and make a good group of friends! After the initial shock of daily 5AM practices as a new college student, I was hooked. I sadly had to step away from the commitment during my sophomore year due to personal reasons. I hadn’t rowed again until last year, when I started to feel my sedentary desk job lifestyle start to catch up with me. I’ve never been a huge fan of working out at a gym and missed being out on the water, so I googled rowing near me and found FVRA right down the street!
Sarah’s first sculling race during Head of the Riverfront in 2023
What do you enjoy most about the sport? What do you enjoy most about FVRA? What keeps you coming back for more?
Rowing has built my confidence and showed me that I can do hard things! I always feel accomplished after finishing a hard piece and pushing myself beyond what I originally thought I could do. There’s always something to work on, whether it be consistency, technique, or speed, and the constant improvement motivates me to keep getting better. I’ve especially always loved racing in 8s where you can really feel everyone in synch and working together. There’s also just something about being out on the water, especially if you can catch a sunrise/sunset!
FVRA is an amazing group of individuals who all want to have fun, get better, and encourage each other!
Do you have any rowing-related goals for the 2024 season? What are they?
This year (2023) was my first year sculling, so I’m definitely looking to improve my sculling technique next year. Once the water warms up I plan to conquer my fears of the racing single!
Are you facing any challenges in the sport, and how are you overcoming them?
My biggest challenge is definitely mental – not getting discouraged when I have a bad day. I’m constantly reminding myself that this is a fun way to stay active! Every day won’t be better than the last, but I can be proud of how far I’ve come across several seasons.
Enjoying a sunset on the Rainbow Reservoir
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start rowing?
Just try it and don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t feel completely natural at first!
Fun Fact: Sarah was the 2023 recipient of the “FVRA Oarswoman Award” which is a club award for athletes who exemplify good sportsmanship, support of FVRA, and enthusiasm for the sport of rowing. Sarah received the award for her commitment to “Embracing New Experiences”
