For the first time since Rower Yolanda Jones’ incredible win in 1989, Korowa has claimed victory in the prestigious Single Scull Open Division 1 event at the 2025 Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta. This year, it’s Lizzie, alongside her dedicated coach Ailish, making history once more. We recently sat down with Korowa’s newest rowing champion to hear more about her journey to the top.

How long have you been rowing at Korowa?   

5 years – I started as a junior in year 7 much like the girls who are a part of the head start program currently.

How did you keep your nerve in such a close race over 1500m?

I honestly can’t even remember most of the race now I had so much adrenaline it is all kind of a blur. What got me through the race was just muscle memory from all the trainings and races I have done over the past season. I knew that the winner would be the person who kept their cool, so I focused on not making a mistake and rowing my own race rather than focusing on my competitors.

What influence has your coach (Ailish) had on you? 

My coach Ailish is one of my biggest role models and has helped my development immensely as an athlete. Whether it is by giving technical changes during on-water sessions or coaching in the gym, Ailish has helped me become the best version of myself and I am so grateful for everything she has done for me.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from this experience that you’ll take forward?

Being in such a close race and having an A final with such high stakes was something I had never experienced before, so I was super nervous. From this experience I learnt the importance of a good mindset. My resilience was tested especially after my race at the state champs the fortnight prior. But I stayed optimistic, learning that it’s super important to believe in yourself and know that anything can happen.

What does this win mean to you personally and for your rowing journey?

A win in this race is all I have wanted for 5 years. I can’t even describe how much it meant to me, although I think it was clear to everyone who saw me after my race (there was lots of tears)! Winning HoSG in a division 1 senior boat felt like a culmination of all my hard work and countless hours of training and made all of the physical and emotional stress completely worth it.

As Rowing Captain how would you describe the Korowa Rowing Squad?

The squad is very connected and supportive of each other. We have grown so much closer throughout the season, we’re like one big friend group! The squad has made my last season so special; everyone was so supportive especially after my win and I am just as proud of every rower for all their efforts this season.

Any advice for younger rowers?

Just stick at it, rowing can be an incredibly taxing sport, but it is also the most rewarding. There is no better feeling than how proud you are of yourself after finishing a particularly hard training erg you didn’t think was possible or winning a race after giving it your all. I have also made my closest friends through this sport, and we will have memories that will last a lifetime. Like anything, the more you put in the more you will get out of it, so always give your all and be persistent!

How did you make your mum, Ailish and Jane cry?

All three are important people in my life and hugely invested in my rowing journey so I attribute a lot of my success to them. I think they were all proud of my persistence before and during the race and were happy for me because they knew how important it was to me.