Ian Terrell is Row New York’s Manhattan Middle School Coach. Coming from Alexandria, VA, Ian says the sport of rowing has played a huge part in his life since middle school. He coxed in middle and high school, was recruited to cox for Trinity College, and spent a few summers in-between his college years coaching at his high school boathouse.
”During the summer, that’s what all the kids did in my area, the alumni are expected to come back and coach– you pay it forward.”
His local boathouse provided a “sense of belonging” — this structure he rowed out of meant more than simply a place to store racks and boats. It was a place to socialize, connect with friends, and of course, compete and row. This feeling of community sticks with Ian to this day, and he sees this same social dynamic playing out with his Row New York athletes.
Rowing was a central force in Ian’s development so he understands what this sport can do for our Row New York’s student-athletes. He believes in rowing’s ability to build a strong work ethic as well as instill critical life skills like teamwork, discipline, and tenacity. That said, he also stresses that while he and his colleagues can provide the opportunity to learn and grow from this sport, it is up to each student-athlete to show up, tune in and bring their best effort. He acknowledges it is not an easy sport; it is demanding. But the rewards Ian has experienced first-hand, as well as what he witnesses in his students, is worth every single erg workout, sore muscle, and blister. His athletes learn what real teamwork means by working towards a common goal: moving the boat fast! They develop tenacity and discipline.
“Any kid who shows up 6 days a week is going to be able to get into a good college–that kid has discipline because they apply themselves.”
Having rowed and taught at the college level, Ian strongly believes in providing the same quality of instruction to his students regardless of where he is coaching.
“Part of my mission is to build a bridge between those who have resources and those who may not; if I coach differently, that’s not fair. I am going to coach a Row New York student the same way I’d coach a kid who is going to a $60,000 school.”
For our athletes, that means learning an amazing new skill set… as well as acquiring a few blisters along the way.
