FALL ‘24 COACHES REPORT – MEN
Charting New Waters: A Season of Growth for Stanford Men’s Rowing
By Ted Sobolewski, Farwell Family Director of Men’s Rowing
As we embark 2025 season, I am both excited and reflective about the journey ahead. This year’s team is one of the youngest we’ve had, with a roster that is still very small compared to many of our competitors. While these factors present unique challenges, they also present an extraordinary opportunity for growth and development — a chance to lay a foundation for long–term success built on values, commitment, and a shared vision for the future of Stanford Rowing.
This season, we have made a deliberate choice to focus inward. Our goals are centered on cultivating the culture necessary for sustained success, knowing that if we can do that, great external results will follow in time. We’ve worked hard to define and embrace what it means to be a part of Stanford Men’s Rowing, emphasizing work ethic, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the team. Our internal goals are not flashy or extraordinary in any way and achieving them won’t immediately vault us to the top of collegiate men’s rowing. However, we can already see that focusing on them is changing the way the team operates, and we are confident the team will be well–equipped to meet the challenging opportunities we will face on the race course for years to come.
With a young and developing roster, it’s difficult to predict exactly what this team will become over the course of the year. What I can say is that their dedication to the process is undeniable. Every practice, every stroke, and every moment spent together is an investment in the standards and expectations that will carry this program forward — not just this season, but into the next chapter in the history of Stanford Men’s Rowing.
We’ve already seen glimpses of the team’s potential. Training sessions have been marked by grit, resilience, and an eagerness to learn. The athletes are embracing the mindset that results come not from shortcuts, but from consistent, intentional effort. They are showing up every day ready to put in the work, and that commitment is creating a foundation of belief —belief in their individual abilities, in their teammates, and in the direction this program is headed. That said, we are under no illusions about the road ahead. Competing at the highest level requires time, patience, and the hard–earned lessons that come only through experience. We know there is still much to be done before we can expect to produce the kind of results that match the legacy of Stanford Rowing. Our competitors are formidable, and we respect the level of excellence they bring to the sport. But rather than focusing on the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be, we are putting our energy into closing that gap, step by step.
This season will be about more than just the results we achieve on the water. It will be about how we rise to the challenges we face, how we hold each other accountable to our standards, and how we create a culture that empowers every athlete to thrive. These are the measures by which we will define success this year, and they are the building blocks for what we believe will be a bright future. I am pleased to report that we have just completed recruitment for the fall 2025 incoming freshman class. This class is significant in that they will represent the 4th consecutive complete recruiting class since our program was reinstated following the sport cuts. For the first time in many years, our 2025–2026 roster will be comprised of 4 classes of highly capable recruited athletes, and our overall numbers will grow from 25 oarsmen and 5 coxswains to 35 rowers and 4 coxswains. Next year will undoubtedly be a pivotal year for Stanford Men’s Rowing.
To our alumni: your unwavering support and belief in this program inspire us every day. You’ve built a legacy of excellence that we strive to honor with everything we do. We may be young, and we may have a small roster, but we are driven by the same passion and commitment that have always defined Stanford Rowing. As we move through the season, we hope you’ll follow along and share in our journey. While there is still much work to be done, we are excited about the progress we’re making and the potential we see in this team. Together, we are building something special, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you for your continued support. Go Card!
