An Alumni Update from Head Coach Kara McPhillips
As we approach the holiday season, W-L Crew has so much to be thankful for—and so many great updates to share.
I’m honored to be serving again as Head Coach for the 2024-2025 season alongside Wilson DeSousa and our amazing team of assistant coaches. You can learn more about us on our Meet the Coaches page.
Winter conditioning is just getting underway, with novices and varsity team members gathering after school every day to erg, run, and weight train. It’s been wonderful to see our enthusiastic rowers back in action and our new rowers eagerly learning alongside them!
Over the past few months, our team and the Boosters have been tireless in their help as we prepare for our big move to Columbia Island Marina. They pulled weeds, laid gravel, assembled dock pieces—whatever was needed! Please contact us if you’d like to help, as well.
Our fundraising season is also in high gear. We all know that fundraising isn’t fun, but the team’s enthusiasm around the task is a clear indication of how much this sport means to them. Already, we have sold holiday wreaths and supported the Optimist Club Christmas Tree sale. We are now selling See’s Candy and preparing for our Mulch Madness fundraiser in February/March.
If you’d like a sneak peek at the spring racing schedule, check out our Events Calendar. We have a full slate of regattas planned—from St. Andrews and Stotesbury, to the Potomac and Sandy Run. Please plan to cheer us on—and be sure to save the date for the Charlie Butt Regatta on April 26.
Here are a few upcoming events at which we welcome supporters and alumni:
- W-L Holiday Bazaar – December 7, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at W-L High School. Visit the Crew Team booth to purchase wreaths, coffee, chocolates, blankets, and more!
- Eat at Raising Canes in Seven Corners – December 11, 2024 – Mention “W-L Crew” and the restaurant will donate a percentage of your order to the team! For online orders, use the code RCFUND96.
- W-L Crew Triathlon – January 25, 2024 – Relive your high school days by participating in our annual triathlon! There is a designated alumni category! We’ll post details here soon.
We all know how much effort and dedication it takes to row; running a rowing program takes even more. I am so grateful for the Boosters, alumni, and friends who have done so much to make this program successful. This year especially, we welcome donations to our Friends & Family campaign, as well as connections to corporate sponsors. Go Generals!
Sincerely,
Kara McPhillips
Head Coach