As a swimmer, Romano’s smooth transition to crew was assisted by her passion for cardio, and her love for rowing was sparked by the close-knit community of the team. Despite the intensity of practices, she highlighted the importance of the deep connections formed during the long hours on the water and the erg machine.
“I started rowing my freshman year at Andover. I had been a swimmer for a long time, so moving from the pool to the river felt like a logical jump in terms of cardio. I started in the fall program and had my first competitive season that spring, where I made the second boat. I fell in love with the inclusive culture immediately. Even as a freshman, the older girls were so welcoming. It is truly the ultimate team sport in a way people don’t often realize,” said Romano.
“Having our boathouse off-campus allows it to become a second home. Some of my best memories and closest friends have come out of Andover Crew. There is really no way to describe the feeling of pushing yourself to your physical limit and discovering what that limit actually is. Even on the toughest practice days, this team is incredibly reliable and gritty, yet we always keep the energy upbeat,” said Romano.
“Caroline is a very positive and inclusive leader. After a grueling practice on the water or a hard session on the ergs, she is always ready to hype everyone up and restore that energy, even when we’re exhausted. She makes sure we stay connected, especially with our psyches before a regatta,” said Davis.
“Watching her lead while being so talented at the sport itself has been incredibly motivating. Especially as someone new to the crew, it has been so reassuring to see how she welcomes everyone into the community and sets the standard for what a teammate should be,” said Jesudason.
Romano will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to compete in its Division III lightweight rowing program.
