This week row2k continues our 2025 spring collegiate racing preview with an interview with Embry Riddle freshman Sarah Kinlocke. We chat with her on how she discovered rowing, committing to Embry Riddle, and more.
row2k - How did you get your start in rowing?
Sarah Kinlocke - I grew up in upstate New York, attending a small Classical Christian school. At the time, Matthew Hopkins was not only the upper school principal, but also a teacher, rowing coach, and a very influential figure in my life. I started rowing in elementary school doing summer kinder-scull camps, after being introduced to rowing through Mr. Hopkins. He inspired those around him, to love rowing, and I am grateful to be one of his students. Sadly, on September 4th, 2022, Mr. Hopkins passed away after battling with Glioblastoma.
In junior year of high school, I switched teams to Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA), where I learned to sweep and just have fun with rowing and become more competitive. When I first made the switch, Coach Lauren Schall taught me to truly give 110% of myself at every practice. We had multiple practices where the workout plan seemed daunting but she always encouraged us to give 100% from the start and never to be afraid to fail. Rowing for Saratoga Rowing Association was one of the biggest blessing in my life, because of the countless friendships, positive memories, and experiences I get to associate with rowing. At SRA I was pushed and challenged by my coach’s and teammates in a way that instilled confidence. Before every race our coach’s would go down the boat and encourage us and send us off by saying, “Do your best but most importantly have fun!” -Coach Abbie Peckham.
row2k - What was the recruiting process like for you?
Sarah Kinlocke - The process started smoothly, but it became challenging as the time to commit grew closer. I loved my experiences at many different schools, but my end goal of being a pilot really influenced my decision. I was recruited to row by a Big 10 and other division 1 schools but ultimately they didn’t have the academic degree I wanted.
My Dad was a C-130 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, enabling me to grew up around aviation and ultimately follow in his footsteps. Because of my Dad and his friends I started flying when I was in high-school, and received countless phones calls from his friends giving me advise and guidance on what to do and where to attend school, in order to achieve my goals. Wanting to study aviation and pursue rowing in college, narrowed my list and led me to my final decision.
row2k - How did you decide to attend Embry-Riddle?
Sarah Kinlocke - After going on an official at Embry-Riddle, I continued to talk with some of the girls on the rowing team who were also studying Aeronautical Science. I was pleased with how they managed their time and the flexibility of their practice schedule. I decided to attend Embry-Riddle because not only did I like their rowing team, but I was impressed by the aviation department as a whole.
Going D2 allows me to have the flexibility in my schedule to focus on my academics and flight training while rowing on a competitive team. This past fall was really eye opening, on how competitive we are as a D2 team. We did really well at Schuylkill and at our other races beating and being competitive with teams who qualified for NCAAs. I believe Embry Riddle will provide the tools I need to success on and off the water.
row2k - What are you looking forward to the most about your first collegiate spring racing season?
Sarah Kinlocke - I’m excited to see how our team performs this season. Personally, I’ve made improvements on the water and in the erg room, and I know my teammates have as well. I love racing in general, but especially spring racing because of the close competition between lanes. I’m excited to see some of my friends and race against them this season. Last spring season the girls were 0.4 off their heat in the NCAA championship, and we are hoping this year to make that time up. I can’t wait to travel and race with my teammates this season!
row2k - What is your favorite thing about rowing?
Sarah Kinlocke - Rowing for me is an outlet. Growing up I have always been a goal driven person, which led to some stress and biting off more than I can handle sometimes. However, no matter how busy I was, I always found myself going to the boathouse and finding peace doing the workouts and being with my friends and teammates.
Rowing isn’t just about how strong you are physically it’s about your mental toughness and determination. Rowing is a mental sport more than anything else, your mind is going to tell you that you can’t going any further or harder, but you really have at least 10% left to give. Before I switched to SRA, I raced small sculling boats, personally I think having that experience of smaller boats and being able to push yourself when you’re alone in a single is key to pushing yourself in a boat with 7 other rowers. When you’re tired, the first thing that goes is your technique, being mentally and physically strong enough to hold your technique is really important.
While I have been at Embry Riddle, we focus a lot on the technical part of the stroke. By having good tech and backing the catch in at the same time, every-time, you’re quicker and more effective. Crossing those mental barriers I find really rewarding not only in rowing but in my academic and personal life as well.
row2k - What are you studying at Embry Riddle and do you have any other plans for after graduation?
Sarah Kinlocke - I am studying Aeronautical Science, going through Embry Riddles flight program. While at school we have access to simulators, tutor centers, and highly maintained aircrafts. Within our schedules, we have flight blocks, and additional ground training. I am hoping to join an Airlines flow plan while in school, flight instruct after graduating in order to build my time, and then work for an airline.
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