Let me give you some basics.

 

Crew was something "unknown" in our house when my daughter Amanda started going to Notre Dame.  My daughter was looking for something "different" than volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading.  She was a cheerleader for several years, and just wanted to look for something "different"  Crew seemed to really catch her attention!  We pretty much went into it "blind"  We could have never expected what followed!

 

She has just finished her Junior season, and only missed 1 season.  (my Dad was really sick...and money was tighter than normal)  Crew has both FALL and SPRING seasons.  Not to scare you right off the bat, but it is a costly sport.  As you read on to what we have experienced, you will see that we regret NONE of the money put forth.  The charge for each season runs between $400, and $450 (This depends on how many over-nighters)  The girls hotel fees are included for any of the mandatory over night regattas.  The first year, your daughter will be expected to have her crew uniform.  She will need a tank, spandex shorts, and a long sleeve spandex.  There are many other things that she can purchase if interested...these include, a parka, socks, and definitely spirit wear...and every regatta has shirts as souvenirs! . 

 

During each season, there are usually 5-6 regattas.  They sometimes are a couple hours away, and other times, there are mandatory over nighters for the girls (and parents usually stay too...our own cost)  The regattas themselves are a family affair.  Parents are responsible for food, setup, takedown, and most of all cheering for the girls. Crew is run as a team sport, not a school sport. Everything is run by volunteer parents!  There is always plenty of healthy food available for both the girls, and their parents.  We have a parent that is in charge of the food, and she will make a list of what each family should bring.  It works out great that way.  The two seasons have a totally different type of "competition"  The fall is based on time, and medals are given based on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.  They start out at a certain point, and the clock times them.  During the spring, it is so exciting.  They have races against other teams, so watching the girls row so hard to either keep up with the other teams, or pull ahead...SO EXCITING!!!

 

Now, on to the girls.  They start as a group of girls who are "scared, anxious, and not sure how this is going to change their life"  After the first season they will be sweating, crying, working so hard, sore muscles, character building, running, wall sits, wanting to quit maybe because they don't think they can do it anymore,  etc.  One of the most incredible things that Amanda picked up from crew is the unexpected life long friends that she has made.  She has made friends with girls that she would have never thought would be her besties!  The time that these girls spend together has built something so strong...I am not sure that she will ever lose any of these friends! They hug each other, support each other, and love each other.

 

Crew is definitely time consuming.  The girls have to give it all.  Practice is DAILY during the season...as well as during regatta season.  Your daughter will be busy EVERY single day.  There are several girls during the week will transport the younger girls downtown, or some of the parents carpool.  I am not sure if your daughter is "athletic" or "fit"  I know my daughter was always normal size, and now, she is smaller, and much stronger. 

 

I could go on and on about the positive aspects of crew.  It has helped to make my daughter so much different...and in a good way.  My husband and I have made many great friends as well.  We are not at all wealthy, and crew has been pretty expensive for us, but we don't regret any of it.  We have never been looked down upon, or treated any different than the parents who are blessed with a thicker wallet, or better house.  Crew parents and girls are family....even during fundraisers---the best one is working at Mud Hen games...we serve beer, and food...and it is what pays for our boats. We got a new 4 boat this year, and an 8 boat last year...and they are expensive.

 

This is probably way more than you can handle, but I want you to know....your family will not regret this decision.  When your daughter is rowing....don't be surprised if the first time you see her...you might tear up...it's hard not to!  When she wins, you will be happy with her, when she loses, you will hurt with her...it's amazing!

 

I don't think I forgot anything, but if I did....let me know.
MTerry711@aol.com

 

We welcome you!

 

Denise Terry

I love you Amanda