Today we bid farewell to our Queens middle school program director, Eva Campbell. After spending a year as a Coaching Corps member, Eva joined our staff full-time in 2014. Her compassionate coaching style, sharp sense of humor, and love for the sport have been indispensable in the development of our middle school programming and the lives of her rowers and fellow staff.
According to Eva’s coaching philosophy, fun and fundamentals go hand in hand in youth rowing. “Keep it fun! Especially with the middle schoolers, you want them to love rowing; you don’t want them to be afraid of it. Everything should just be about getting them to love the sport!” During a time of transition, that attitude is as important as ever. “For the kids, my advice would be that no matter what coaches come and go, it’s about the team and the love of the sport, not about who’s coaching.”
When our middle schoolers join Row New York, they are just starting their rowing journey. Our Pre-competitive Rowing Exposure Program (PREP) combines athletic training with academic tutoring in a supportive and challenging environment. So the middle school teams not only improve their fitness and high school readiness, but also form new friendships and find an invaluable sense of belonging.
But why read about it, when you can hear from the middle schoolers themselves? Here are some of their thoughts on their time with RNY so far – and, of course, on their beloved and soon to be missed Coach Eva.
What do you like most about Row New York?
It is such a safe environment! – Laura, 7th Grade
You are able to learn how to be fit and healthy. – Tenay, 8th grade
I believe that at Row New York, I can unite with my team and learn. – Paula, 8th grade
Teamwork & friendship. While on the team, we build and develop friendships. We get to share our memories with others and cherish them. – Valentine, 7th grade
That I get to work out, I have friends and my coach Eva helps with school. – Eliza, 7th grade
Eva Campbell! – Ashala, 8th grade
What’s your favorite/silliest/craziest memory at Row New York?
When Eva smooshed a frosted cookie in someone’s face! – Laura, 7th grade
When Victoria’s phone dropped through the deck and they had to go under the deck to get it – Tenay, 8th grade
GG put lipstick on Eva and Eva did not like it. – Eliza, 7th grade
We won at the race in Manhattan – our first race, 1st place! Also, when Eva dove into the water to get my glasses and saved them. – Ashala, 8th grade
One of my favorite memories at Row New York was the Jingle Mingle. Some of my silliest memories involve Coach Eva. She’s really funny and entertaining! – Valentine, 7th grade
From everyone at Row New York, staff and middle schoolers alike, we wish Eva the best of luck in her next adventures!
