Racing results, program highlights, alumni news, and 100 Years at Henley updates, delivered directly to your inbox.
With the Spring 2026 season underway, we are excited to share a few updates from the Housatonic and beyond.
This new newsletter, the first of three editions throughout the spring and early summer, is the effort of the Committee planning the Celebration of Kent School's 100 Years at Henley. It is all part of 100 years of rowing at Kent: the first crew on the Housatonic was in 1922 and the first non-British high school crew on the Thames in 1927. These are historic dates for Kent School.
Our purpose is to bring everyone who loves Kent together to celebrate this milestone, whether you touched an oar or not. Alumni, parents, students, faculty, and friends are all welcome. Our plans include regional gatherings, a celebratory dinner in New York City in February 2027, and a gathering at Henley in July 2027. Stay tuned as plans take shape, and keep an eye out for more KSBC Newsletters as the season unfolds.
"For updates, visit kentschoolboatclub.org and register your interest in the 100 Years at Henley events."
The boys kicked off their spring with a training trip to Clemson, returning to Kent eager to get racing. Early-season weather forced a couple of cancellations, but the group handled the disruption well and stayed locked in through some tough, windy practices.
Their season got underway at home against Phillips Andover, and it was worth the wait. The Kent boys swept all four boats in an impressive showing, reclaiming the Brown/Perry Trophy. A great early statement and a testament to the team's depth and preparation.
From there, the boys carried that momentum into the Exeter Invitational, facing a deep field and delivering a strong overall performance. Wins in the second, third, and fourth boats, plus a narrow second-place finish in the first varsity. The result earned Kent the Kent/Exeter Points Trophy and showed the squad can compete with some of the fastest crews in the region.
Last weekend, the boys continued their busy stretch with a trip to St. Andrew's, gaining another valuable opportunity to test speed as they build toward championship season.
The girls opened their spring on the west coast in Chula Vista, putting in a week of training at the Olympic Training Center. Back on home water, they made their debut against a competitive Andover squad, showing good early speed and composure across both varsity boats while gaining valuable race experience.
The team carried that momentum into the Exeter Invitational, lining up against a deep and talented field. With multiple crews on the water, the girls continued to build rhythm and confidence, gaining important side-by-side racing experience as the season began to take shape.
Last weekend brought another step up in competition, as the girls faced many of the top club programs in the country at the KCRA Regatta. Racing at that level provided a strong test and an exciting opportunity to measure speed against some of the best crews in the country as the team continues to push forward this spring.
With a full stretch of racing now underway, both teams are finding their rhythm at the right time. Each week brings new competition, faster crews, and more opportunities to improve as they set their sights on NEIRAs later this month.
"I left Kent a strong rower, having had exceptional coaching, but I also left Kent part of a community with lifelong friends, and with an intellectual curiosity and ambition."
I started rowing my freshman year at Kent. It was my greatest commitment and challenge, but because Kent fostered a holistic approach to learning and to life, I was not all consumed by training and crew year-round. I loved rowing, but I was a tri-sport athlete, joined clubs, always prioritized academics, and fostered relationships with friends and classmates.
When I started rowing Division I at Northeastern University, I quickly found that I didn't have the same experience as my teammates, most of whom had trained year-round for four years. This shift was daunting. What I soon learned, however, was that Kent's holistic approach to life actually saved me. It taught me far more about strength, resilience, and endurance than any full-time training would have.
At Kent, I learned that showing up is half the battle, and when my university peers faced injury or burnout, I kept working methodically towards my goals. The mantra on the boathouse wall was seared in my mind: "If you're going through hell, keep going." It was not only the physical and technical skills I gained at KSBC, but also my confidence in knowing that grit and determination win the day. It was the philosophy I learned in classes, the reassurance I gained from friends, and the insights I learned from other sports that I brought to rowing and allowed me to excel at this sport. For this, I am eternally grateful.
When I reflect on KSBC, I remember fondly racing on the Housatonic, the rolling hills, the dense humidity. I think of my teammates and our traditions: tapping the crest on the way into practice; blues and whites before Saturday spring races; the distinct smell of the boathouse, which always reminded me to leave behind the rest of the day and focus on the now.
Subscribe to receive the post-NEIRAs edition directly on May 28.
The KSBC newsletter is the primary way to stay informed about the life of the program throughout the year. Subscribers receive:
Racing results and regatta recaps, from fall head races through championship season
Program highlights, recognizing student-athletes, coaches, and achievements
Alumni news, with updates from the KSBC community around the world
100 Years at Henley updates, including event announcements and endowment news
All issues are published and archived here. Subscribe above to receive future editions directly.
Boys and girls early season results, Brown/Perry Trophy win over Phillips Andover, Exeter Invitational recap, alumni spotlight on Liv Oyen '21, and 100 Years at Henley plans.
Read above ↑Issue 2 (post-NEIRAs) arriving May 28 · Issue 3 (graduation & reunion) arriving July 9. Subscribe above to receive them directly.