Paige Fedon – Coxswain Profile
Name: Paige Fedon
High School: Cascia Hall (’08)
University: Yale (’12)
1) Why did you decide to join Tulsa Rowing Club Juniors?
I needed something different to spend my time on, and I knew it was really big in colleges.
2) How many years have you coxed?
2.5 years.
3) What do you enjoy most about coxing?
The ability to be in a leadership position and have to make tough calls. It’s also exhilarating to experience the thrilling feeling of knowing that you are working with a group of superb athletes to accomplish a common goal.
4) What was you most enjoyable moment in the coxswain seat and why?
When I was in the eight and qualified for nationals twice. It was a feeling of accomplishment and pride that I will always cherish.
5) What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about coxing for the first time?
If you are going to do it: live it, love it, own it. Go all out, there is no other way to go.
6) What are the most important personality traits that a coxswain should possess?
Intelligence, courage, leadership, commitment and organization.
7) What is the biggest thing that you notice that is different about college coxing from juniors coxing?
It’s a lot less up in the air. In high school coxing there is a lot of uncertainty about what boats you will have and what people think about you. Collegiate coxing is definite. You will have a certain boat for a season. I also find that while in high school many rowers think of coxswains as having an easy and non stressful position; in college every rower knows the commitment that every person has to the team, and respects and listens to coxswains as well as rowers. Everyone has a commitment level that far surpasses many high school rowers.
Closing Remarks
While coxing can be very frustrating, it can also be very rewarding. It takes a certain personality to want to cox, but if it is a right fit, you will instantly know. It is, in my opinion, the most gratifying position in the boat.
