Meet Former Walk-Ons
Meet Former Novices
Ella Harrison
Where are you from?: West Chester, PA
Sports before rowing?: Field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, recreational distance running
How did you hear about the walk-on program?: Emails from the coaches and the involvement fair
Year in School and major?: Sophomore, Biology
What was your favorite part about your experience with the walk-on program?: "Seeing how much I could grow and learn athletically and personally. Learning an entirely new sport (at the d1 level) while balancing a full class schedule was something I didn’t expect to be capable of and looking back- it was something to be really proud of. Walk on rowing is SO FUN. The coaching staff for walk ons is without a doubt the best I’ve ever had in my entire athletic career. I really did meet my best friends on the team, and so many other powerful, inspiring women. "
What advice would you give future walk-ons?:“Approach every practice with an open mind and be willing to accept criticism. The harder you work, the grittier, the scrappier, the better.
Rowing is a sport unlike any other so get ready for the ride.”
Alessandra Flevares
Where are you from?: Warren, OH
Sports before rowing?: Cheerleading, tennis
How did you hear about the walk-on program?: Posters in the dorms and emails
Year in School and major?: Sophomore, Psychology
What was your favorite part about your experience with the walk-on program?: My favorite part about the team is the uplifting environment. All your teammates and coaches are always there to support you through anything. I have met the best people through this program. You get a sense of fulfillment being able to do something this amazing, and you get to do it with people
who become a huge part of your life.
What advice would you give future walk-ons?: My best advice would be to just give it a try. If you try, you’ll meet so many new people, do something new, and you just might find something
you absolutely love.
Constance Loring
Where are you from?: Hudson, Ohio
Sports before rowing?: Cross country, and basketball
How did you hear about walk-on rowing program?: I heard about the program through someone else who was recruited and then did some research online.
Year in school and major: 2nd year, Biology Major
What was your favorite part about your experience with the walk-on program?: My favorite part about being on the walk-on program was the routine and the ability to continue my love for sports and being on a team!
What advice would you give future walk-ons?: My advice to future walk ons would be to be patient and forgiving to yourself because it’s a major learning curve. Also wear lots of layers and
warm socks!
Courtney Cocuzza
Where are you from? I grew up in Rockford, MI
Sports before rowing? I rowed starting in 8th grade but before that I did a little bit of soccer and figure skating
How did you hear about walk-on rowing program? Once I knew rowing was an option in college, then I researched my options in Ohio knowing I was going to apply to Ohio state and also applying to schools in Ohio
Year in school and major: Junior, biology pre PA
What was your favorite part about your experience with the walk-on program? My favorite part of being on the walk on team was the very supportive team culture. No matter what seat
in whatever boat you were in, it was a chance to get better with 8 other teammates. The feeling after a practice filled with technical break throughs and steady states through Griggs’ scenery
was the most fulfilling feeling to start the day with.
What advice would you give future walk-ons? My biggest piece of advice is everything has a learning curve. Technique, power application, time management, sleeping/fueling the body
properly. You will have many people on the walk on team who are going through the same things as you. The team culture here is very supportive and you are never alone in your struggles!
Michayla Binkley
Class of 2021, Psychology
I joined the novice team because I thought it would be something challenging and new to try, but I stayed because I fell in love with the sport and because it gave me an amazing support system and a that ended up becoming my family.
Sierra Cydrus
Class of 2019, Health Promotion, Nutrition & Exercise Science
The best part of my first year on the team was racing season. Getting to race with the Buckeye logo on my back for the first time was such a cool experience. It made all the hours worth it!
Maddie Frendberg
Class of 2020, Animal Sciences
I wanted to join the novice team as a way to stay in shape and make new friends, but I stayed on the novice team because it was a place where I could be confident and
strong and be part of a community of women that I can call family.
Lena Harper
Class of 2021, Engineering
I joined the novice team because I loved playing sports in high school and I didn't want to lose the team aspect as I went to college. I planned on playing intramurals before I found out about rowing, but I knew I would be more committed and competitive than the majority of the people participating. I gave the novice team a try and haven't looked back since.
