They walk in as shy eighth graders with tentative handshakes, small muscles and no idea how to carry a boat without looking confused. By graduation, those same kids are national champions, certified-morning people and carrying themselves with an undeniable confidence. That transformation has defined Saugatuck Rowing Club (SRC) for 25 years.
What began as founder Howard Winklevoss’ belief that rowing could shape his sons, Tyler and Cameron’s, characters has grown into one of the most successful junior programs in the country, producing national titles, Ivy League rowers and even Olympians. From the outside, it’s easy to assume the program’s mission: win championships. And with 15 junior titles, the accomplishments are undeniable. But inside the boathouse, the story you hear is never about the medals. It’s about who the athletes become along the way.
“At first glance one might think our mission is to make boats go fast, and that is certainly a part of the by-product of what we do here at Saugatuck, but it is not the first thing that comes to our mind,” Head junior boys’ Coach Dave Grossman said. “We are here to develop and build upon the character of our athletes.”
These types of victories show up long before any crew steps onto a podium. They appear when an athlete learns to push through the last 500 meters of a 2K, when teammates hold each other accountable without being asked, when a quiet voice in the boat suddenly becomes assertive.
Varsity women’s head coach Michael O’Hara has seen the same transformation more times that he can count. It begins subtly, and gradually builds into a steady confidence that turns once-nervous novices into the leaders others look up to.
“It’s been wonderful to see [the athletes] reach new heights in confidence in themselves,” O’Hara said. “Meeting them as often timid 8th graders and then seeing them head to row in the Ivy League or Division 1 programs once their time here is over is outstanding.”
Ashlyn Frey ’26 has experienced this growth firsthand. Over her years at SRC, she has grown into a disciplined, driven individual whose dedication has opened the doors for her to continue rowing at the University of Miami next year.
“[SRC] has given me confidence and shown me what it feels like to be supported and pushed to be my best.” Frey said. “[It] has shaped who I am today, and it’s a huge reason I feel ready and excited for the next steps in my life.”
As SRC celebrates its 25th anniversary, the program is also looking ahead. Not to the next trophy, but to the future generations of athletes who will walk through its doors unaware of what they’re capable of.
“The Saugatuck Rowing Club is truly a unique place,” O’Hara said. “I know that it will continue to do great things because of the great people behind it and the great people who continue to be involved with it.”
Damir Durkovic • Dec 2, 2025 at 3:02 pm
Sophia, I believe you shortchanged the founder of SRC by not mentioning his name. James Mangan founded the club in the early ’90s and was later the Winklevoss twins coach. Leaving him out of the story about the SRC history without a due credit leave the story uncomplete.