Vincent Hsiao

Linnea Nystrom (10) guides her crew back to the boathouse at the end of practice Feb. 24 at Creve Coeur Lake. This was Nystrom’s first season as a part of the St. Louis Rowing Club after moving from New York City, and prior to that, living in California. “Theres a lot of interpreting what [coach- es] want you to do or say,” Nystrom said. “You have to know them really well to know what they would want you to do in a specific situation. Especially on race days when they’re not going to be there the whole time. You need to take charge and emulate what they would want.”

The boat slides up to the starting line flanked by seven others in adjacent lanes, oars slicing through the waters in perfect synchronization as athlete adrenaline and nerves hang palpable in the air. Inside the rocking boat, eight rowers lock into position, backs facing the finish line and wait for the strong timbre of the coxswain. She sits at the stern facing forward, eyes taking in her surroundings as she prepares to steer and sternly yell out the commands that will ensure their successful push across the finish line without ever touching an oar. 

Linnea Nystrom (10) is in her third year rowing and her second as a coxswain. As a coxswain it is her job to sit at the front of the boat, steer and call out instructions to the rowers who have their backs turned to the front. After a childhood with little interest in sports, this is a position that clicked quickly for Nystrom. 

“I like to be in charge, I like being bossy, I like telling people what to do and I like being able to lead everyone, especially when we win,” Nystrom said. 

Nystrom takes the responsibilities that come with being a coxswain very seriously. 

In addition to being the eyes and ears for the rowers, all coxswains must find dynamics within the team to ensure the movement on the boat is organized. The use of a microphoned headset which connects to speakers all around the boat aids the coordination.

“If we were actively in the boat then I’m the only one talking,” Nystrom said. “I will yell at anyone if they talk because it’s my job to keep everyone safe, it’s my job to make sure we’re all working together, they need to follow my exact directions and we’ll be great.” 

On top of being comfortable in her role as the head of the boat, Nystrom’s teammates recognize her talents that complement her leadership and contribute to her successful performance as a coxswain. 

“She’s really hardworking [and] she’s always locked in,” teammate Austin Singer (10) said. “She’s not goofing off [during practice] and doing stuff that can hurt the focus of the team.”

Nystrom’s success as a coxswain comes from more than just natural ability. Her willingness to put in work sets her apart from other coxswains. 

“A lot of coxswains will just say the calls and not go into depth about what you should be doing form wise,” Singer said. “Ive noticed she really helps with people’s form. She doesn’t just do the normal stuff you do to get by, she’ll do extra to make sure that you’re better as a rower.” 

A telling moment for all athletes is how they perform under pressure. When beginning a regatta, which is a rowing, speedboat or sailing race, [later] Nystrom doesn’t spiral with anticipation over the moments ahead, but instead stays present to lead her team calmly and correctly. 

“I try to pay really close attention to the officials around me and what they’re saying so I can make sure I’m in the right place at the right time and that we start on time, and don’t delay the other boats,” Nystrom said. 

 Nystrom’s collected demeanor when needing to perform under pressure aids her teammates in moments where nerves can run high. 

“She has the right mindset,” Singer said. “[Her mindset] helps the rowers because if [going into a regatta] a coxswain is talking like ‘oh I’m scared, I have a feeling we’re not going to do good’ then the rowers are going to take that same mindset. She helps set an example, and she’s really supportive when you need it.” 

As Nystrom becomes more involved with the sport, her family provides increasing encouragement towards her rowing pursuits. 

“It’s been really fun watching Linnea step into her natural gifts and develop them as a coxswain,” mother Cari Nystrom said. “She’s learned how to lead and motivate different personalities, all while calculating how and where to move the boat. Her ability to relate to others and lead on the water naturally spill over into other areas of life and I can’t wait to see where it takes her.” 

Having come into the sport on a whim when asked to accompany a friend, Nystrom did not expect the effect that being a dedicated rower would later have on her identity. 

“Rowing has taught me that I’m a lot more determined and a lot more stubborn than I think,” Nystrom said. “I will race no matter what. I will get into that boat, and I want to do as well as I possibly can. No matter if it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, I want to be out there and cross the finish line.”