Commodore Ava Trogus: From Walk-On To ‘Crushing It’ As Team Leader
April 22, 2021 | Women's Rowing
Rowing didn't come easily to Ava Trogus. And that's what she liked about it.
"I had to really work at it. It was challenging," says the walk-on from Chicago. "Over the past four years, it's become clear that you get out what you put in. Every day, we take thousands of strokes, yet I learn something from each practice."
In the critical team-elected position of Commodore, Ava took more readily to leadership — "a role she embraced just in time to help the team manage COVID-19 from around the world. And she crushed it," says Head Coach Yaz Farooq.
The Commodore leads the team during the off season and acts as liaison between crew members and coaches.
"I keep tabs on the team, making sure everyone is doing OK, physically and mentally," explains Ava, a senior computer science major.
When the season was canceled due to COVID-19, the team was devastated to lose their opportunity to compete. Ava and her teammates made the most of the situation by uniting virtually.
"When everyone was alone at the onset of the pandemic, it was difficult to find motivation to train. But we found ways to connect through Zoom and social media." They created a team-only Instagram page, filled with upbeat workouts "to hype each other up."
Ava's experiences on and off the water have taught her valuable life lessons.
"I've learned that I'm stronger than I thought, and what it means to persevere out of love for my teammates," she says. "Being a team leader, I've learned how to embrace a variety of personalities and capitalize on everyone's strengths."
Her message to all loyal supporters of Washington Rowing is simple: Thank you.
"There's a great appreciation for all of the outstanding equipment and resources. But especially now, we're thankful to row together during this international crisis with your support. It'll give us a competitive edge and allows us to do what we love."
Ava and the women of Washington look forward to racing down the Montlake Cut once again this spring.
(This story was excerpted from SWEEP Magazine. Read the entire Spring, 2021, issue at the link at the top-right of this page).
"I had to really work at it. It was challenging," says the walk-on from Chicago. "Over the past four years, it's become clear that you get out what you put in. Every day, we take thousands of strokes, yet I learn something from each practice."
In the critical team-elected position of Commodore, Ava took more readily to leadership — "a role she embraced just in time to help the team manage COVID-19 from around the world. And she crushed it," says Head Coach Yaz Farooq.
The Commodore leads the team during the off season and acts as liaison between crew members and coaches.
"I keep tabs on the team, making sure everyone is doing OK, physically and mentally," explains Ava, a senior computer science major.
When the season was canceled due to COVID-19, the team was devastated to lose their opportunity to compete. Ava and her teammates made the most of the situation by uniting virtually.
"When everyone was alone at the onset of the pandemic, it was difficult to find motivation to train. But we found ways to connect through Zoom and social media." They created a team-only Instagram page, filled with upbeat workouts "to hype each other up."
Ava's experiences on and off the water have taught her valuable life lessons.
"I've learned that I'm stronger than I thought, and what it means to persevere out of love for my teammates," she says. "Being a team leader, I've learned how to embrace a variety of personalities and capitalize on everyone's strengths."
Her message to all loyal supporters of Washington Rowing is simple: Thank you.
"There's a great appreciation for all of the outstanding equipment and resources. But especially now, we're thankful to row together during this international crisis with your support. It'll give us a competitive edge and allows us to do what we love."
Ava and the women of Washington look forward to racing down the Montlake Cut once again this spring.
(This story was excerpted from SWEEP Magazine. Read the entire Spring, 2021, issue at the link at the top-right of this page).
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
Washington Women's Rowing: NCAA Championship 2025 | Huskies Highlights
Sunday, June 01
Washington Women's Rowing: Big Ten Championship Finals | Huskies Highlights
Monday, May 19
Washington Women's Rowing: Big Ten Championship Heats | Huskies Highlights
Sunday, May 18
Yasmin Farooq Talks Preparing for Big Ten Championship, Windermere Cup, And More | B1G Today
Friday, May 16
