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We are really interested in backstories – the experiences on and off the water that make people the rowers, coaches, and coxswains they are today. And when it comes to rowing programs and initiatives, we’re curious about who’s behind the scenes creating opportunities for their communities.

With that in mind, we took a trip to the George Pocock Rowing Center in Seattle to talk with Zoe Vais, the organization’s Middle School Programs Specialist. She’s also a coach for GPRF’s Camp Lucy – a free learn-to-row camp for girls, inclusive of non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming youth. From being a walk-on at the University of Washington, to leaving a mark on Seattle rowing, Zoe offers a thoughtful look at slowly falling in love with the sport and the important role coaches play in young rowers’ lives.

GUEST
Zoe Vais
zoe@pocockfoundation.org
@coach_zoe / @thepocockfdn

TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Welcome
2:00 - Introduction to George Pocock Rowing Foundation and Pocock Racing Center
2:55 - Rapid Fire Q&A
7:53 - Being a walk-on at UW when you don't know anything about rowing or UW's place in rowing history
14:45 - Falling in love with rowing… slowly
19:00 - Coach Bob Ernst inspired Zoe to follow a path to coaching, starting with an internship at UW
26:00 - Coach Across America / Up2Us AmericaCorps 
28:30 - Making practice a loving and encouraging place for HS girls and keeping it competitive
31:39 - Camp Lucy: fun, hard work, empowerment, curiosity
39:45 - Partnering with non-profits and schools to bring kids to camp
41:30 - Camp Lucy will be a success when …
48:50 - Girls carrying “the load” on inclusion; "Camp Stan;" and kids leading the conversation

[S3] Ep. 12 Mentions

BUSINESSES
Pocock Racing Shells

COACHES
Bob Ernst
Lori Dauphiny
Lucy Pocock
Marqus Brown

CLUBS 
Ancient Mariners
DC Strokes Rowing Club
Fairmount Rowing Association
Pocock Rowing Center
Seize the Oar

EVENTS
San Diego Crew Classic

ORGANIZATIONS
Congolese Integration Network
George Pocock Rowing Foundation
King County Play Equity Coalition
Up2Us Coach Across America

PEOPLE
Jenn Gibbons
Lizzie Simons

UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
University of Washington Women’s Rowing

VIDEO
American Experience: Lucy Pocock and Women’s Rowing