Hi, my name is Henry Young. I’m a freshman at Vernon Malone and a Novice rower at Triangle Rowing Club.

For years, I struggled to find a sport that truly fit me. I bounced from soccer to basketball to martial arts—even tried theater like my father. I swam for a while, thinking my tall frame was meant for the water, but something was always missing.

That changed when I was around 10 or 11. My cousin Liam, who lived in California at the time, raced in a dragon boat competition. I had read about dragon boat racing in history and Chinese folklore, but seeing it in person was something else. The rhythmic splash of the paddles, the steady beat of the caller setting the pace, the raw power and teamwork—it was mesmerizing. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of a sport like that.

Fast forward a few years—my family moved back to North Carolina during COVID-19. I was probably at my least athletic, only swimming over the summer and barely working out. But then my mom found Triangle Rowing Club, just a few minutes away. It reminded me of what my cousin did, so I decided to check it out during Sneak Peek Week.

That week changed everything. I learned that rowing wasn’t just about strength—it was about technique, rhythm, and teamwork. I was hooked. One season turned into two, then three, then year-round training. Now, after 2-3 years with TRC, I can confidently say I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The friendships, the challenges, the early mornings on the water—everything about this sport has shaped me.

And now, we need your help. Our team is growing, and we’re raising funds for a new boat to keep TRC strong. Every donation helps us continue doing what we love—training, competing, and building a legacy.

If my story resonates with you, or if you just want to support a team that works hard every day, please consider contributing. Together, we can keep TRC moving forward.

Thank you for your support!