Pine Crest crew athletes traveled to Sarasota on January 23, 2026, to compete in the Matt Able Speed Fiesta, marking an exciting early-season regatta for the program. The event featured multiple girls’ boats across grade levels and served as an important first test after months of winter training.
The girls’ team fielded four boats, each made up of four rowers. Two of the boats were composed of freshmen, while the remaining boats included upperclassmen, including juniors and seniors. Despite being early in the season, Pine Crest athletes delivered strong performances across the board. One freshman boat earned both silver and bronze finishes, while the senior boat dominated its races, securing first and second-place finishes.
For many athletes, the regatta was especially meaningful as it marked their first time racing. Freshman rower Michaela Maertl ’29 described the experience as both exciting and unforgettable.
“Competing at Matt Able Speed Fiesta was so much fun. It was my first regatta ever, and it was the best experience ever,” Maertl explained.
Maertl credited her boat and the overall team environment for making the experience so positive. “My boat was so supportive, especially being my first time. Not only my boat but the entire team was so amazing and encouraging,” Maertl said.
Maertl also reflected on how the crew has shaped her perspective on teamwork. “Coming from an individual sport to crew was a big difference because in crew, you need your team and your team needs you, rather than a sport like tennis,” Maertl said. “This rowing experience really showed me to rely on other people.”
Bennett Wolf ’27 emphasized the importance of the regatta as a season opener and learning opportunity. “Matt Able was a great warm-up for the season,” Wolf explained. “It was great racing from all the boats and showed us what we need to work on for the rest of the season to prepare for states and nationals.”
Wolf also highlighted the rewards of seeing hard work pay off after months of training. “We had a long winter season of training, and seeing our work and consistency show up on the water is a great feeling,” she said.
Beyond medals and placements, athletes agreed that the strongest takeaway from the weekend was the sense of community within the team. “I learned that friends are everything,” Maertl explained. “Especially in such a stressful and pressured school environment, you know you have people to lean on when you walk into the boathouse.”
With a strong start at the Matt Able Speed Fiesta, the Pine Crest crew is looking ahead to the rest of the season with confidence, momentum, and a clear sense of what it will take to succeed. We can’t wait to see what this season has in store for them.
