Boys Crew Captain Luke Francis ’25 began his rowing journey in his Junior Spring, and since then, he has stuck with the sport due to its unique reliance on team interdependence. A quiet yet focused presence, Francis brings dedication and maturity to Boys Crew.
Francis believes that rowing’s innate reliance on teamwork sets the team apart from other sports. Such a framework, he noted, has shaped his leadership.
“Crew is a really special sport because it’s probably the most team-oriented sport there is. You have nine people in your boat, and you’re all completely reliant on each other. You want to build a strong sense of family and community in your boat, and I think that mindset applies to the whole team,” said Francis.
As a captain, Francis strives to build relationships across the Boys Crew’s large program rather than doing so with solely his own boat.
“It can be a little tricky… With a big program like crew, you have to remember that all the other boats push you. The sixth boat pushes the fifth, the fifth pushes the fourth, and so on. While you’re focused on your boat, you also have to look around and appreciate how the other boats are challenging you,” said Francis.
Charlie Domina ’27 rowed with Francis during the team’s preseason training in Austin, Texas, where Francis first stepped into his role as captain. Domina described how his captain’s focused energy helped push the crew during early-stage mixed-boat lineups.
“We were having a lot of fun, but also pushing it and seeing how fast we could go that early in the season. Luke was a big part of that. He’s a pretty quiet guy, but he’s focused. He can be silly at times, but when it matters, he’s ready to lock in… You can be really confident in him,” said Domina.
According to Domina, Francis’ reliability extends beyond the boat. Whether relaying updates from coaches or holding the team accountable, the Captain takes initiative behind the scenes.
“He’s always in good communication with our coach. If the team’s a little rowdy or not checking every box, Luke’s the one making sure we get done what needs to be done. And the guys respect his voice,” said Domina.
Aaron Portelance ’27 echoed the same theme of dependability. From team talks after races to helping coordinate practice communication, he described Francis’ standard of leadership that others naturally follow.
“Luke is a much more approachable and chill crew captain compared to others we’ve had, and as a crew captain, you’re expected to be someone novice rowers can look up to and go to for help… I enjoy our talks after our races. I like talking with Luke Francis about how our row went once we’ve finished it,” said Portelance.
Though he leads the team officially, Francis is quick to note that leadership exists at every level. Whether athletes are on the first boat or the sixth, he believes that stepping up and supporting teammates is part of the program’s identity.
“You don’t have to be a captain to lead. Each boat tends to have someone who steps up, even in the sixth or seventh boat. Leadership happens at all levels of the program,” said Francis.
