Row New York is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth by combining competitive rowing and academic support. We set out on the Harlem River with alumni of the program to put our new fall collection to work.
“Row New York gives students of all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds a place to grow as athletes and as students. It empowers athletes to create long-lasting friendships and gives students the support to become exemplary with SAT prep, college workshops, job opportunities, academic tutoring and more.”—Rachel Cytron, executive director
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Rowing brought balance to my life. I was training hard and making sure I did my best while maintaining my social and academic life. Row New York is different from other teams—there’s more culture and friendship.
”—Andrew Tom, student at Northeastern University, two seat
Rowing brought balance to my life. I was training hard and making sure I did my best while maintaining my social and academic life. Row New York is different from other teams—there’s more culture and friendship.
”—Andrew Tom, student at Northeastern University, two seat
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Rowing and the support from my teammates and coaches make me feel strong and powerful. I explain to others that we’re not just a competitive rowing team—we’re a family.
”—Josue Nuñez, Row New York assistant coach, stroke seat
Rowing and the support from my teammates and coaches make me feel strong and powerful. I explain to others that we’re not just a competitive rowing team—we’re a family.
”—Josue Nuñez, Row New York assistant coach, stroke seat
Row New York alumni, from left: Justin, Ariel, Andrew, Alejandro, Bryan, Patricia, Jaylone, Kameron, Fernando and Josue.
Q&AWhat impact has rowing had
on your life?“Rowing represents balance in more ways than one. One moment I can focus on the tranquility of the water and the sound of the blades. Then I’m working hard with sweat in my eyes, exhaustion and burning muscles. The sport of rowing and its community have taught me discipline, responsibility and commitment.”—Alejandro Marmol, student at Stony Brook University, bow seat
on your life?“Rowing represents balance in more ways than one. One moment I can focus on the tranquility of the water and the sound of the blades. Then I’m working hard with sweat in my eyes, exhaustion and burning muscles. The sport of rowing and its community have taught me discipline, responsibility and commitment.”—Alejandro Marmol, student at Stony Brook University, bow seat
“Rowing is an opportunity to find yourself and to push yourself, and it’s changed my mental health for the better. The feeling it brings to mind is overall joy and happiness.”—Jaylone Cabrera, student at Rochester Institute of Technology, bow seat
“Rowing has developed a grit and drive in me that has changed my athletic and academic abilities, as well as my ability to pursue and achieve my goals. The feeling of accomplishing something truly difficult (a PR, winning a race, breaking a record) is incredible, and the chase of that goal is almost as fun.”—Ariel Schecter, student/rower at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, three seat
“Rowing has changed my life entirely. Nothing is as exhilarating as being in a boat with eight powerful people pushing their bodies to their limit.”—Bryan Guzman, aspiring musician, coxswain
How did you get into rowing?“Row New York coaches came to my high school one summer and showed a video called ‘Why I Row.’ After watching it, I knew I wanted to be part of that world. I’ve been an athlete and mentor, and I still coach rowing to youth who might never have had the opportunity to experience this sport. I also cohost a podcast called Rowing In Color where we amplify voices of color in rowing.”—Patricia Destine, rowing coach, podcaster, coxswain
“I had tried other sports and wanted to belong to a team, so when I found out about Row New York in eighth grade, I decided to pursue it. It has opened so many doors for me, like helping me get my first internship and then decide to major in economics.”—Fernando Diaz, student at Lehman College, three seat
“I started rowing at the beginning of high school after my friend Fernando dragged me along to a Row New York tryout. I was completely oblivious when I first heard of the sport, but after I tried it, it became second nature. When I graduated from the program, I stayed on as an assistant coach and began coaching the men’s varsity team this year.”—Justin Rodriguez, student at St. John’s University, youth rowing coach, stroke seat
Bryan Guzman in the rugby shirt, heritage 14 oz. fleece sweatpant and New Balance® 574 sneakers.
Kameron Lovelady in the heritage cotton rollneck letter sweater.
Justin Rodriguez in the heritage 14 oz. fleece cardigan, Broken-in oxford and Classic Relaxed-fit chino.
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Row New York is like a second family. The whole concept of rowing is working together because one person can’t move a boat as well as a team. You’re surrounded by people who want to see you improve and succeed.
”—Kameron Lovelady, student at Canisius College, two seat
Row New York is like a second family. The whole concept of rowing is working together because one person can’t move a boat as well as a team. You’re surrounded by people who want to see you improve and succeed.
”—Kameron Lovelady, student at Canisius College, two seat
