Balancing life on the water and in school, one student does it all. Grace Barber, who is a junior from Saratoga, N.Y., studying biology pre-med, is very involved on campus, whether it be in the sorority Delta Theta Beta, working in the research lab for the biology department, being secretary of the SAAC, as well as being a part of the women’s rowing team. 

First finding interest in rowing during the 7th grade, Barber was introduced to what rowing was about at a personal gym that she and her parents would train at. There, she learned the basics of rowing such as how to erg and the proper rowing technique as well as powerlifting. After getting to understand the basics, Barber joined the Shenendehowa Rowing team which instantly made her fall in love with rowing and has resulted in her sticking with this sport for the last 10 years.  

Whether or not to continue the sport in college wasn’t even a question for Barber. She knew she wanted to be a part of something at school, and continuing to row was a great way to do that and meet new people. Since her first year, Barber has been a member of the Iona rowing team. Being on the team has brought her great experiences that she will take with her even after graduating next May.  

One of Barber’s Iona Rowing highlights came during her first year at the Dad Vail Regatta. Being in the women’s rookie 4+ boat along with four other team members, the team was projected to come in 4th/5th place, but they ended up finishing in 3rd place, only .2 seconds behind 2nd place.  

“Nobody expected us to do well, we were just thrown together to see what would happen,” Barber said. “I remember crying at the end with everyone, being so grateful for the girls I row with, moments like these are why I adore this sport.” 

Recently, Barber was voted Team Captain of the Women’s Rowing Team. In order to win this title, the team must vote on who they feel has great leadership skills for this role and could lead the team to success. 

“It meant the world to me that my teammates felt my leadership skills were fit for this role, and I hope I can use it to inspire and bring my team together,” Barber said. “I have had many lows in rowing that left me wanting to quit, but my team has helped keep me going.” 

With the remaining four races of the season, Barber hopes to finish off strong with her teammates and hopefully take home a 1st place win.