Claire Van Praagh: Stanford University - Rowing

Riverdale Review: How long have you been playing your sport?  

Claire Van Praagh: I have been rowing for five years.

RR: What’s your favorite thing about your sport? Favorite memory? 

CVP: I think my favorite memory would be winning the world championships this past summer. I competed at the U-19 World Championships in St. Catharines, Canada. It was a great experience and my favorite thing about the sport would be the tight-knit community that I found within my sport. That’s part of the reason why I had such an amazing experience at the world championships was that I was competing alongside my close friend. 

RR: Who has been your greatest inspiration or role model during your athletic career?

CVP: My teammates at my home club program, Row America Rye have been my greatest inspiration. 

RR: What are you most looking forward to about continuing your athletic career at Stanford? 

CVP: I think I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of the community that I found in rowing and then also have the opportunity to compete at the next level, at a higher level. 

RR: Were there ever moments when you doubted yourself and your athletic talent? If so, what did or do you do to get past those doubts? 

CVP: I think yes, there’s definitely, I think everyone has moments where they doubt themselves when they’re in a challenging spot, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture and recognize that one day is just one day and to focus on the broader goal rather than one workout.

RR: What advice would you give to anyone beginning or interested in the recruitment process?

CVP: I would say be willing to put in the work and don’t limit yourself and have big expectations.