Autumn in Action
Newport Rowing Club Boat Dedication
On October 4, Newport Rowing Club (NRC) proudly dedicated its new Hudson double to Darnell Williams in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the team. When the athletes were asked who the boat should be dedicated to, Darnell’s name rose to the top without hesitation—a true reflection of the respect and gratitude he’s earned across the team.
Darnell joined NRC in the fall of 2024 through the support of the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF). Through this partnership, NRC has strengthened its commitment to athlete development. Darnell brought a new level of expertise to the team—focusing on mobility, strength training, and overall fitness through structured land workouts.
Beyond physical conditioning, he has instilled in athletes a deep sense of dedication, discipline, and confidence, helping to shape NRC’s culture into one defined by perseverance and teamwork. The boat dedication stands as a heartfelt tribute to Darnell’s lasting influence and the meaningful collaboration between NRC and AMBTIF. His leadership was instrumental in the team’s success at the 2025 regional championships, where NRC qualified two boats for the USRowing Youth Nationals—a milestone that reflects the power of this partnership and the inspiration Darnell continues to bring both on and off the water.
Row, Eat, Dream, Repeat: Meet Amy
Amy is a senior nursing student and the president of the Rotaract Club at Dominican, where she dedicates much of her time to serving the community. A walk-on athlete, she began rowing midway through her sophomore year and has quickly become a standout on the team. Last year, she competed as the able-bodied rower in an inclusive double at the Head of the Charles. This past spring, she and her doubles partner finished fifth in the grand final of the women’s varsity double at the Dad Vail Regatta—an impressive feat considering her bow-woman caught a crab with just 100 meters to go, snapping her oar. Amy heroically powered the boat across the line on her own.
To hear more of Amy’s story, check out my podcast interview with her on DUNIFY, Dominican’s channel on Spotify. In the episode, she shares about her rowing journey, her favorite foods, and her biggest dreams. It’s the second installment in our Row, Eat, Dream, Repeat series.
Hope in Every Stroke
Mother–daughter duo Myrna and Keira Gotrell share more than a love of rowing—they share a mission. Together, they founded Hope on Water, a community organization that introduces youth and families to the healing power of rowing and the outdoors. Through mentorship, teamwork, and time on the water, Hope on Water helps participants build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
This fall, Myrna and Keira raced together at the Head of the Charles Regatta in their newly dedicated namesake boat—a touching tribute to their shared journey. Their story is a beautiful reminder that when you row with purpose, every stroke carries hope forward.
Click here to learn more about Hope on Water.