Jalen Baldwin, Angelina Koch, and Faby Velazques – our third-annual class of Changemaker Scholars to attend the USRowing Annual Convention – are a young, diverse group, all in the early years of their coaching careers. We talk about the people and ideas that sparked them at the convention, and what they’re exited to put into practice this season.

Indoor rowing popularity has exploded since early days of the COVID pandemic in 2020, with a whole new rowing community coming together around the erg, buoyed in large part by people who have never touched an oar. John Steventon – a gold medal and world record holding indoor rower – started to make rowing workout videos during lockdown, and his RowAlong YouTube channel soared to popularity. Today it boasts hundreds of fun, imaginative rowing workouts.

Growing up the daughter of immigrant parents, Donna Pili didn't have time for sports. She watched the '84 Olympics rowing on TV but it wasn’t until nearly 30 years later, in an effort to retake control of her life, that she learned to row. Since then, Donna’s found community at ZLAC and San Diego Rowing Club, and has traveled the world as a member of Endeavor Racing Alliance. 

SSN co-founders Rachel and Tara talk rowing during COVID-19, rapid fire Q&A on salt water rowing and the pros and cons of unis, and hear from Coach Ben Steele on the best part of his rowing week.