How Rowing in Color is redefining the status quo of the sport

By Nia Harmon

“You are powerful enough to participate in a sport like this.”

That is what Temple University senior and Rowing in Color athlete, Marissa Moyle, said when asked about what advice she would give to athletes of color interested in the sport.

Rowing has historically been known as exclusive for women and people of color. However, organizations like Rowing in Color are actively working to change that.

Founded by Denise Aquino and Patricia Destine in 2020, the podcast and nonprofit was created to amplify and encourage BIPOC athletes in the sport. Rowing in Color made history in 2022 with the first all-Black women’s eight to compete in the Head of Charles Regatta.

“Most people see rowing generally as a very white sport or that there aren’t a lot of persons of color in rowing,” said Sophia Chen, a student at the University of Southern California and former USC rower. “This organization is doing a really good job of highlighting that there are people of color in rowing.”

Both having experience competing at the collegiate level, Moyle and Chen have also found community in participating in club rowing at their respective universities.

“I grew up in a predominantly Asian area, so when I joined the women’s rowing team at USC, it was the first very white space I’ve ever stepped into,” said Chen.

“There wasn’t anything overt. I just felt like I stood out a little bit to some extent. I think had I known [about] Rowing in Color, I would have known that this sport isn’t just white.”

Playing basketball and volleyball prior to becoming a rower last September, Moyle competed on predominantly white sports teams. For her, being a part of this organization has been a refreshing experience.

“It is extremely inspiring to see so many people that look like me – and just look like us – doing a sport that is predominately white,” said Moyle. “Our team [are] powerful, strong, talented women in a boat.”

“We have a full Black eight [and] a full BIPOC eight which is insane. I’ve had people tell me ‘this is amazing’ and it makes their heart happy to see [this] here in a predominantly white sport, seeing so many people of color.”
While groups like Rowing in Color have been able to make strides in inclusion in the sport, there is still change that needs to be enacted.

The University of Pennsylvania became a topic of racial hostility last spring after multiple individuals associated with the rowing program went to athletic leadership to report a series of racist remarks made about Black athletes on the women’s team, allegedly said by a member of the men’s lightweight team.

According to the university’s independent student media outlet, The Daily Pennsylvanian, many were dissatisfied with the institution’s response.

Spaces like Rowing in Color and others exist to combat situations like these that taint the sport.

“Try and find spaces that you too belong in, because you do belong in a sport like this,” said Moyle.

“You have to be the change. It’s kind of really hard to expect change without doing it,” she said. “Our coaches, Denice and Patricia, started a podcast specifically to promote diversity and women of color in rowing.”
Operating primarily through social media, this weekend brought together Rowing in Color athletes from across the world, fostering the sense of community that is so vital to the sport.

“We had a lot of trust and confidence within each other and I think that’s huge. I really appreciate that because sometimes it’s really hard, especially for people coming from so many different areas,” said Moyle. “Hearing everyone’s background as well is really cool and hearing how they got into it and just sharing our experiences as people of color in this environment [was] very eye opening.”

For Chen, the first time she met her teammates she felt right at home.

“I’m from the West Coast [and] a lot of people are from all over the country,” she said. “It’s really cool just being able to see these people face to face. It feels like we’ve already known each other for a lot longer than just two days.”

The positive impact the organization makes goes beyond what it does for its athletes.

“People stop and stare at our table and ask us what we are,” said Moyle. “I feel like that is huge. Even just following us on Instagram [or] taking a sticker, I think it’s very cool to hear that they are happy to see us in a place like this at one of the biggest regattas in the country.”

Moyle and Chen lead with support for those interested in rowing but don’t know where to start.

“You can always find a way to try something new and try doing a sport that you already love,” said Chen.

“Don’t be afraid to try anything,” encourages Moyle. “As someone of color, you have to live up to a higher expectation when you start to play in a predominately white sport.”

“I promise you, you can beat that expectation. You can raise the bar higher.”