Finding Strength on the Water

For years, Yvie was scared of being in any kind of boat. Kayaks, canoes—anything that rocked on the water made her uneasy. Fast forward a few years, and now she spends hours each day rowing in boats barely wider than she is. And the best part? She wouldn’t wish it any other way.

Her introduction to rowing began through her older sister, who joined a Learn to Row summer camp at the Vashon Island Rowing Club (VIRC). At the time, Yvie wasn’t interested, but watching her sister fall in love with the sport piqued her curiosity. Eventually, she gave it a try. Her first experience was unforgettable: all four of her siblings rowing together in a straight quad. The water that once scared her became a place of strength and possibility.

When Yvie first started rowing, she didn’t see herself as athletic. She had done some mountain biking but never thought of herself as particularly strong or competitive. Through rowing, that changed. She learned to push through challenges, lead with confidence, and trust in the power of teamwork. Rowing taught her that real strength comes from unity—people moving together toward one goal, regardless of differences in or out of the boat.

Outside of the boathouse, those lessons continue to shape her life. Yvie started a small flower farm business, and she draws on the same discipline and grit she’s learned from rowing to handle the hard work it requires—hauling soil, planting, and nurturing growth day after day.

For Yvie, the water itself is one of rowing’s greatest teachers and obstacles. Some days it’s calm and reflective; other days it’s wild and unpredictable. To move a boat well, she’s learned, you can’t fight the water—you have to work with it. It’s a constant reminder of balance, strength, and adaptability.

At VIRC, Yvie found more than just a sport—she found a family. The club brings together rowers of all ages and backgrounds, from middle schoolers to masters, and fosters a culture of unity and encouragement. When the team rows together, differences must fade and be replaced by a shared rhythm and purpose. Being a team captain this year has given her the ability to reach back a support new rowers on their journey of finding community in the sport. 

Now a senior, Yvie is covering her own rowing expenses while her parents continue to support her three older siblings through college. She’s deeply grateful for the scholarships she’s received from the Pocock Foundation, which have made it possible for her to continue the sport that has changed her life, and now help to change others as well. 

“Rowing has given me so much,” she says. “It’s taught me how to work hard, lead with kindness, and find strength in teamwork. I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Thanks to the support of generous donors, Yvie’s story is just one example of how rowing opens doors—for young people finding their confidence, community, and courage on the water.