Girls in the boat

Aine McCann ’24

LM girls’ crew has gotten off to an explosive start, with excellent performances from JV and varsity athletes helping them defend their position as one of the top teams in the area. A particularly intriguing story thus far has been the girls’ JV 4+ boat, which contains some of the team’s best young rowers. On March 26, strong performances from Quinn Baker ’24, Greta Oberdiek ’24, Esme Oxman ’24, Maria Reynolds ’24, and coxswain Vivian Orova ’24 carried the boat to a first-place finish at Manny Flick #2. One week later, the squad proved that their success was not a fluke. On April 2, they took first place at Manny Flick #3, overcoming tough competition to ensure their spot as one of the most competitive 4s in the area. Looking ahead, a large part of the girls’ focus lies on maintaining their winning streak. Amidst all of this however, they are also working toward something even more impressive: youth nationals in June. When members were asked about their biggest goal for the season, a bid at nationals seemed to be the team’s collective dream. For this talented squad, the prestigious regatta is more than achievable. A lot of hard work lies between now and June if the team hopes to book a ticket to Florida, but the team’s exceptional commitment, camaraderie, and coaching make them excellent contenders. The squad’s explosive start is not a stroke of luck. All five girls displayed their dedication to the team by attending grueling winter workouts—a decision that Reynolds is especially proud of. “I think I grew both as an athlete and a teammate during those difficult training months,” she says. Oxman shared similar sentiments, saying that she is “most proud of the effort I put in before the season even started. It’s hard to motivate your- self to train in the off season, but that’s when the real work is done.” The team worked hard and sacrificed for one another all winter long, and now they are reaping the benefits. Baker, Orova, and Reynolds cited the team’s close camaraderie off the water as another contributor to the boat’s success. They stated that they are “all friends on and off the water,” enabling them to “communicate openly to one another during times when the boat may be struggling. It is crucial to the boat’s success for everyone to work cohesively, and having developed a friendship with one another gives us the opportunity to work better together and produce better results.” Oxman added that each girl in the boat started crew at around the same time, which has allowed them to develop together. The girls also expressed gratitude for their coaching staff and acknowledged the role coaching has played in their success and growth over the past few months. Baker, Orova, and Reynolds mentioned their “great relationship with [their] awesome head coach, Kirk Beckman,” as well as their gratitude for being able to work with Olympic coach Sean Hall, saying “He has helped us grow exponentially. We are excited to work with him for the rest of the season.” Oberdiek also emphasized the positive impact coaching has had on her: “My coaches have been attentive and given constructive criticism that allows my boat and me personally to improve, all while improving what we’re already doing right. Before we race, our coach also gives us motivational talks, both to light a fire under us and to let us know that he just wants us to row our best.” The girls hope to stay at their best for the remainder of the season, wherever that may take them. If their performances so far are any indication, the sky’s the limit.

Oberdiek, Oxman, Orova, Baker, and Reynolds, listed from left to right, pose for a photo after their victory.

On the right, the very same boat can be seen putting in some hard work along the Schuylkill River.

The Aces’ excellent team chemistry is another factor which they believe will lead to greater success in the future.

Unfortunately, the LM Aces boys’ volleyball program has struggled to find much success over the course of past two seasons, finishing with a losing record in both years. They are looking to get back on track and close out this season with some big wins against Avon Grove, Haverford, and North Penn. If they can finish the season with a few more ticks in the win column, that momentum could carry them towards a stunningly successful season in 2024. While the playoffs may be out of the picture at the moment, this team remains confident that brighter days lie on the horizon. The development of their many sophomores is sure to be integral to the team’s future success, as their full potential remains relatively unknown. In the upcoming years, Coach Marie Hamilton has a demanding but also exciting task ahead of her, training a raw group of players who have a strong passion for the game and want to get out there and dominate. So, don’t be surprised when you’re reading an article about LM boys’ volleyball and their sudden resurgence this time next year.