26 POINT LU SPOTLIGHT: Rachel’s Team: Allies with Oars

Finding Community, Pushing Limits, Supporting the Next Generation

Rachel Egner didn’t come to 26 Point LU with a perfectly mapped plan — just a willingness to say yes.

When her team, Allies with Oars, shared a message about participating virtually, Rachel immediately volunteered to join. She didn’t fully understand what the event was or how it worked, but she did know this: she loves supporting team challenges, fundraisers, and new adventures. Conveniently sandwiched between Ergomania and the World Championships, the timing made it an ideal steady-state effort — and a chance to give back while training.

What she didn’t expect was how deeply the event would move her.

“I love supporting young women in rowing,” Rachel shared. “Listening to the young Camp Lucy participants speak and watching the teams interact was so inspiring. Their confidence, their voices — it reminded me why getting girls involved in women’s sports matters so much.”

Rachel’s own rowing journey began later than most. She discovered indoor rowing through CrossFit in 2010, then, during COVID, found a passionate and welcoming competitive rowing community. That sense of belonging eventually carried her from the erg to the water — and into a whole new world of connection.

That’s why Camp Lucy resonates so strongly with her.

“To think that these girls can find that kind of supportive community at such a young age — and carry it with them for the rest of their lives — that feels truly life-changing.”

At 26 Point LU, Rachel rowed solo, but never felt alone. Surrounded by young teams, high-energy crews, and fellow athletes, she watched a group of young boys work in perfect rhythm — encouraging each other, communicating, and celebrating every pull together.

“The atmosphere was electric — it reminded me of the relay at the World Indoor Championships. That same energy. That same ‘everyone is giving everything they’ve got’ feeling.”

For Rachel, one moment rose above the rest: realizing she had just completed a 2.5-hour effort between two major competitions — something she never believed she could do.

“It pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. It was honestly up there with a life-changing experience.”

Now, as she prepares to compete in the upcoming British Rowing Indoor Championships, Rachel carries that same spirit forward — inspired by the young athletes she watched and the cause she chose to support.

Her hope for the future of 26 Point LU?
A growing leaderboard. More participants. A massive February tradition that brings the rowing community together year after year.

If she had to describe the event in one sentence?

“It pushed me beyond what I thought I could do — and reminded me why the rowing community matters so much.”

And perhaps that’s the true power of 26 Point LU — not just the meters pulled, but the way it connects people across generations, creating ripples that last far beyond the finish line.