(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – LRHS senior Tracy Roberts has only been rowing since January, 2013, but due to her skills with Sarasota Crew, she will be rowing at her top choice school, Calfornia’s Stanford University.

LRHS senior Tracy Roberts pushes herself to excellence on the course.

Roberts has officially qualified for a rowing scholarship and the amount it pays will be based on her time in the 2K race. If she posts a good enough time by June, her scholarship will cover 70 to 100 percent of the cost.

Roberts admits she tried playing basketball for awhile, but wasn’t getting great results. That’s when she switched to rowing, and discovered that the hard work she put into the sport led to outstanding results.

The rowing team participates in a 5K regatta every other weekend during the fall. In the spring, 2K races are held.

Roberts said, “Although rowing is a process that remains the same, the different ways to row, as well as the different speeds to row at keep it entertaining.”

She adds that the sport takes great commitment, “Rowing has taught me to never quit. When you’re on the water, you can’t take off stroke. You constantly have to push yourself every time.”