Sleek shells slice through the River Thames. Oars flash in the morning sun. Muscles coil like springs. For enthusiasts, the Henley Royal Regatta is the pinnacle of competition—a storied event that has tested the mettle of rowers since 1839. This summer, Groton girls joined the ranks of these elite rowers, bringing their talent across the pond.
Throughout the spring, the 2024 Groton girls team, guided by coaches Cola Parker, Mary Carey, and Andy Anderson and led by captains Isabella Gardiner ’24, Kit Knuppel ’24, and Agathe Robert ’24, committed to grueling erg tests and strenuous practices on the Nashua River. Each stroke in practice fueled their ambition to dominate. Their 6–1–1 record reflected their determination and resilience. During the regular season, their sole defeat came against Nobles: first boat and second boat being edged out by 0.1 and 0.9 seconds, respectively. Undeterred, they rallied to secure the Cooke Cup against St. Marks.
The defining moment of their season unfolded at the NEIRA Regatta in May. The girls second boat—Caroline Creasy ’25, Sydney Nelson ’26, Gabriela Gil ’25, Isabel Holcomb ’26, and Naia Kolodziej ’25—carried a season-long drive against Nobles which pushed them to train harder and stroke faster. In a field of 18 boats, the girls second boat led from the start to finish, defeating Nobles by four crucial seconds. Their success demonstrated the fruits of their relentless training.
After great success in the spring, the team began preparing for their next battle: Henley-on-Thames. “Scholar-athlete” took on a true meaning as they trained during exam week, balancing morning practices and late-night studying. Despite the expected exhaustion, rowing became a welcome escape from their academic pressures.
Once in England, the team faced fierce competition from some of the world’s top high school rowing programs, including Headington, as they tested their strength across multiple regattas. “There’s something special about Henley,” Chloe McAuliffe ’26, said. “The stakes are higher, and you feel it. The atmosphere was unlike anything we’d ever experienced.” Despite the rising intensity, the team’s resilience fostered an atmosphere of hope and optimism, culminating in a commendable 9–6 combined record in the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy and the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.
Racing at Henley brought pressure, but also the privilege and camaraderie of competing on such a prestigious stage. “Competing at Henley was something we’ll carry with us, not just as athletes, but as friends who went through it together,” Lauren Dubois ’25 reflected. Long hours of practice on the river and navigating international competition forged unbreakable bonds. Shared meals, exploring the English countryside, and celebrating small victories only brought the team closer. Representing Groton on such a renowned stage, coupled with the joy of deepening friendships, made their time at Henley an unforgettable chapter in their rowing journey.
