“Having the opportunity to be a part of Stanford Lightweight Rowing has been a dream come true for me. Jordan Reist, a class of ’20 alum on the team, was my learn to row coach. She taught me how to take my first strokes on the water, and has been a constant support and role model for me since that September afternoon my freshman year of high school. I have always looked up to the women on Stanford Lightweight Rowing, viewing them as my ultimate inspiration for the sport. But being on the team this year, I have learned that the Stanford Lights embody so much more than just athletic excellence. We are more than our 9 national championships, more than our course records at IRA’s. Being a member of this team means being a part of something so much bigger than yourself. It means waking up every morning at 5:20 for your teammates, and loving every minute of it. Kate Bertko, our head coach, has created a culture of sheer grit, humility, and love for each other and the sport. She has taught us to be unafraid: to tackle every obstacle we face, on and off the water, with tenacity, knowing that she and our teammates are here to support us no matter what. And for that, I am forever grateful. Which is why we will be unafraid. We will fight to restore our identity as Stanford varsity athletes and proud members of the Lightweight team. Because we owe it to ourselves, to each other, and to all rowers and supporters who have come before and after us.”
-Noa Bregman, Class of 2023
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