Portland Magazine
September 13, 2023
University of Portland opened a new boathouse on its campus this spring. Direct access to the Willamette River—with beautiful views of Forest Park, the Portland bridges, and the Bluff—is a turning point for the Pilots' rowing program.
Story by The Editors
Photos by Bob Kerns
SOME MORNINGS THE crew team starts inside on the rowing machines; others they get right out on the river as the sun comes up.
Being so close to campus (rather than a thirty-minute commute to Vancouver Lake) certainly adds time back into the days of these student athletes. Being on a river (rather than a lake) also opens up new options for their workouts. "There are miles of great water," says head coach Gulliver Scott, which means they can add distance to their regimen.
A home base on campus also encourages a greater sense of belonging. "It's so much better having our own space," says assistant coach Desi Petrova '22, who rowed in the program and sees how the new facilities are making a difference in the student-athlete experience. "We used to have to set everything up in Chiles and break it down when we were done. And being around the other athletes has made us feel more a part of the Pilot community. The team's confidence has gone up, now that they feel more acknowledged and supported. There's a sense of urgency. We feel like we need to live up to that investment."
Coach Petrova also sees renewed interest from rowing alums, some of whom have come out to practices and races. "It's all part of building that community," she says.
Coach Scott also expects the new facilities will help with recruitment and growth of the program.
"It's a game-changer," he says.
Thank you to the Tom and Meg Names Family Foundation whose lead gift turned dreams of a boathouse into a reality. Thank you also to Al Corrado '55 and Sue Corrado, whose generous gift made the rowing dock possible. Immense gratitude to the more than 650 (!) alums, students, parents, faculty & staff, and friend donors that helped to fund the completion of the boathouse—your support made a difference.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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