Port Rowing recently held a ceremony to celebrate the signing of Letters of Intent by two of its athletes as they commit to competing at the college level next year.
Maggie Nelson of Port Washington will compete for Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, and Lindsay Heyman of Great Neck will compete for Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
"It is a great thing to see two young rowers receive the opportunity to continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level," said Coach Steve Panzik. "The two of them have worked very hard and are leaders of this young team, they will be missed."
"Three years ago I didn't even know what rowing was," said Maggie Nelson, a senior at Schreiber High School, which held a separate ceremony for three student athletes Monday. "Then I joined Port Rowing and it became my life. Now I can't even imagine my life without the sport or the family I made that came with it."
"Port Rowing has brought me experiences that helped me grow as a person and as an athlete," said Lindsay Heyman, a Great Neck North High School senior who only started rowing eight months ago.
"After joining the team I had no doubt rowing would impact my life but never imagined it would decide my college choice," she added. "I am eager for the experience of rowing in college but will always remember the Port Rowing family that was formed in such a short time."
While celebrating the athletes' accomplishments, Panzik is also keeping an eye towards the future.
"We look forward to see who on this team will step up to fill their roles over the next four years," he said.
