RowingCast Episode 14: Etta Carpender – From Texas Longhorns to US National Team Glory Dive into the heart of elite rowing with RowingCast Episode 14, where host X sits down with powerhouse rower Etta Carpender – a University of Texas alum, current US National Team member, and rising star in the sport. Etta opens up about her electrifying journey: from picking up an oar in eighth grade (thanks to her brother's influence) to chasing Olympic dreams for 2028 in LA. In this inspiring chat, Etta gets real about the highs and lows of competitive rowing – think national championships with the Longhorns, navigating injuries and team dynamics, and that game-changing COVID gap year that reignited her fire. She shares insider stories from US National Team training camps, the thrill of racing in China (where her eight finished a gritty fifth at Worlds), and how she's blending her athletic life with content creation for Rowing News. Whether you're a novice sculler or a seasoned coach, Etta's wisdom on intention, teamwork, and keeping the joy in the boat will hit home.
Key Highlights: - How high school rowing at Mile High Rowing Club sparked a lifelong passion. - Rising from spare to varsity stardom at UT, including Big 12 Boat of the Week honors. - The mental reset of her gap year and the grind of national team selection. - Pro tips for young rowers: Focus on the process, build unbreakable bonds, and always have fun on the water. - Future goals: Crushing her 2K erg time and eyeing gold in LA '28. If you're obsessed with rowing's rhythm, resilience, and raw power, this episode is your next must-watch. Drop a comment: What's yourfavorite rowing memory? Hit like if Etta's story fired you up, and subscribe to RowingCast for more unfiltered convos with the sport's biggest names! Subscribe to What's Out Media Group for weekly rowing insights: [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsOutMediaGroup) Follow us on X: [@whtoutmedia](https://x.com/whtoutmedia) More on Etta: [Instagram @ettaettaettaetta](https://www.instagram.com/ettaettaettaetta/) #RowingCast #EttaCarpender #USRowing #TexasRowing #OlympicRowing #RowingPodcast #NationalTeam #WomensRowing
