With an exciting college crew career ahead at Brown University, Lila Nottage ’22 earns the spot of this month’s Athlete of the Issue for her four-year contribution to the Girls’ Varsity Crew team. After months spent getting in early- morning workouts on the ergs and weight room, Nottage’s senior spring season is well underway. During the 2022 season, Nottage has already led the team to two impressive regatta wins as co- captain.
Only picking up the sport her freshman year, Lila has quickly excelled in her crew career to the heights of Division I athletic career on her horizon. Beginning in the 4th boat, Lila transcended the ranks to the 1st boat during her junior and senior seasons.
Nottage explained, “I didn’t have a spring sport in mind when coming here, so my parents and I decided that rowing would be interesting to try because of my height,” adding, “I went out in a double with my older sister during the first week of spring break to try rowing on the water for the first time before the crew preseason trip, and after meeting the girls on the team I knew I wanted to stick with rowing.”
The Girls’ Crew Team’s Head Coach, Parker Washburn, asserted, “Lila is dependable, coachable, and driven,” adding, “on our team, we talk about the importance of showing up and giving your best every day and Lila is a perfect example of this. She is willing to make adjustments to her technique and training in order to improve and has been extremely receptive to coaching. She never shies away from a competitive moment.”
As one of the most physically-demanding sports offered at Deerfield, crew undoubtedly presents challenges to all team members – including a successful athlete like Nottage. She said, “For me, the most challenging aspect of rowing is the time leading up to hard erg workouts or races. The mental challenge of the sport is definitely greater than the physical challenges, which don’t last as long – the feeling you get after spring or winning a race makes it worth it every time.”
As this year’s co-captain, Nottage has assumed her role with exemplary athleticism and humility. Mr. Washburn explained, “Lila is a phenomenal lead-by-example captain. She demonstrates through action the type of team member we seek: committed to the sport and the team, cares for others, and values everyone’s contribution to the team.”
Mr. Washburn continued, “Lila quietly pushes her teammates to improve. Her ultimate achievement is that she is leaving the team in a better place than she found it. There’s nothing more a coach can ask of their athletes than this.”
Nicole Xing ’22, Lila’s co- captain on the Girls’ Varsity crew team, added, “Lila is constantly setting the standard for our team; she shows up to the boathouse ready to work, and the team naturally follows.” Xing added, “This year especially, she’s taken the time to get to know everyone, ranging from upperclassmen returners to freshmen novices. It’s easy to tell that everyone on the team looks up to and is inspired by her.”
With a strenuous sport like rowing, finding motivation and camaraderie within your teammates is essential to thriving within the sport. Nottage is a pillar with her consistent team-building efforts for new members and bringing spirit to each practice.
Nottage shared, “I love so many things about rowing, but the people you meet and become close with are my favorite parts. So many girls on the team who I would never have really met on campus have become some of my best friends.”
Natalie Meyer ’23, a member of the Girls’ Varsity Crew, assimilated into the team well with an affable teammate like Lila. Meyer explained, “I started rowing last winter during winter crew and Lila was always super welcoming and was a friendly face to have around. Lila’s ability to connect with her teammates beyond the sport of rowing is extremely admirable.”
During the off-season, Nottage completed long endurance workouts as a member of the Girls’ Varsity Cross Country team. Over school breaks, Lila committed to getting in an erg workout every day – no matter the location. This type of dedication made Nottage stand out as a highly sought- out recruit for the highest tier of college crew.
Nottage’s successful recruiting process landed her an exciting Division I college rowing career at Brown University. Nottage said, “I began my recruiting process the summer after my sophomore year. For a little over a year, I was emailing and having calls with a bunch of schools, and I didn’t really narrow down my list until I started getting offers the summer before senior year.”
Mr. Washburn concluded, “By all measures, Lila is prepared to join a team like Brown’s. Her experiences at DA have prepared her to take the next step in intensity, time, and skill that is required to compete at the highest level.”
Witnessing Nottage’s outstanding work ethic and motivation is not only impressive but also inspiring. The Deerfield community looks forward to seeing what Nottage’s future holds at Brown next year and beyond!