Being a female coxswain on a men's team can be very interesting. It is unlike any other sport in the entire world. You experience a lot of different things, both good and bad. You have a very important role on the team that anyone outside of rowing does not understand. You have gotten very used to interacting with just boys all the time. And you have learned to love every part of the sport and your team. Here are 11 things only female coxswains on a men's team would understand.
1. You don’t just yell the word ROW!!!!
This is the most frequently asked question by non-rowers. They assume you just weigh the boat down and yell ROW for 6 minutes
2. You don’t laugh when you hear the word ‘cox box’
Yes, we all know this word is funny and sounds extremely sexual. But when you use it every day you start to get used it.
3. Speaking of sexual jokes, you're beyond used to it.
4.You're used to the weird looks you get when you say you're on the men’s team.
We know it’s not the norm for women to be on a men’s team. But it is the 21st century so it really shouldn’t be that weird anymore. AND it's very common for men’s rowing teams to have female coxswains because they can fit in the boat easier.
5. You're a pro at being yelled at.
It is a myth that girls are more emotional than boys. We have the first-hand experience that all human beings are passionate and emotional about what they do, and that sometimes leads to yelling and screaming.
6. You're a pro at being yelled at PART 2.
Being a coxswain has its ups and its downs. Unfortunately being the first one to blame is on that list. It is because you are the brains and leader of your boat. You are expected to be fully in control so when something goes wrong, it usually ends in you being in trouble.
7. Having a raspy voice is a given.
Although you are not just yelling ROW! You still make intense calls and motivate your crew to victory. Ultimately forcing you to lose your voice and embrace the sexy raspy voice.
8. You are used to seeing tall, muscular boys walk around in spandex.
Most people would be very taken aback by this sight. But to you, it is very normal. You're used to seeing your teammate's white thighs and all of their “curves.”
9. Along with #8, you're used to seeing them sweat.
Rowing is a very physically demanding sport where you see your teammates, sweat, cry, and occasionally throw up. After you have witnessed all of their bodily functions you all become very close.
10. You are basically their mother.
We all know boys can be a little immature sometimes. This includes being told to wash their clothes after every use and to make sure to pack a toothbrush for overnight regattas. They follow you around like ducklings at a race and no the face you make when you mean business.
11. You can't count over 10.
Yes, we all passed 1st grade. All of your drills and major calls are usually based off of 10 strokes. Anything more or less messes with our head and we can't do it.
12. Win or lose, you know your boys will have your back.
They will go to bat for you against your coach or even another coxswain. They are way bigger and stronger than you are so having them as your squad makes you feel pretty cool. You know they’ll stand up for you and fight one of the officials when they yell at you.
