Noelle Broom walked onto the Washington Rowing team as a freshman after being a swimmer and water polo player in high school. She became hooked on rowing after learning to row under Erica Schwab (the freshmen coach at the time). Nearly fifteen years later, she’s still hooked on Washington Rowing. For the past three years she’s organized the Class Day BBQ with Andrew Beaton and helped sell gear with Eric Cohen during the Windermere Cup races. She joined the Washington Rowing Board of Stewards in 2016 and is a familiar face at Washington Rowing events. We sat down with Noelle to find out why she volunteers for Washington Rowing.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Washington Rowing?
Working alongside other Husky rowing alums. There’s an amazing spirit and dedication that is instilled in each Husky rower. I love working with people with that kind of dedication and work ethic.
What would you say to others about why they should consider volunteering with Washington Rowing?
I think it’s important to volunteer and give back to a team and a program that gives so much to its athletes. Washington Rowing gave so much to me when I was a rower, and I’d like to help repay that in some small way. On top of that, being involved with such an exciting team is so much fun. It helps you connect with old friends and classmates, as well as meet many wonderful new people who have also rowed for Washington.
You’re a busy mom. Why do you choose to continue to give back to Washington Rowing? How do you find the time?
Working with the Board of Stewards, and giving back to Washington Rowing, has been so fulfilling. This makes it easy to carve out time to give back to a program that has given so much to me! It’s been such a positive experience to continue to help a program focused on young people. My own personal experience as a Washington rower was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life.
I’ve found giving back to Washington Rowing to be especially valuable for me now that I’m a mom. I’m home with my little boy and have a baby on the way. I am so grateful to be a stay-at-home mom and love every minute of it. That said, it’s still very important for me to continue to pursue my own goals and interests. My involvement with the Board of Stewards has given that to me, as it has allowed me to work with some really incredible and bright people and focus on something bigger than ourselves.
What do you see as the role of the alumni in the success of Washington Rowing, and why?
The alumni are integral in the success of Washington Rowing, because they have such acute understanding and appreciation of the hard work that goes into the team, the efforts of every single athlete, and all of the tireless efforts of each coach. With this knowledge, alumni can most effectively give back to the program, whether that means volunteering at a race, connecting with current student-athletes and helping mentor them, or moving the program forward with fundraising efforts.
What was your most memorable moment as a Husky?
My most memorable moment as a Husky rower was winning the Pac-10 Conference championship in the women’s freshmen boat after walking onto the team earlier that year.
In a word, how do you describe what Washington Rowing means to you?
Legacy
If you’re interested in volunteering your time and talents, please email Sarah Keller, Director of Operations, at kellersw@uw.edu.
