My name is Maegan Hailey and I'm the current coach of the Women's Novice rowing team at Unionville High School. Our school is located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; however, we practice out of Wilmington, Delaware. Before becoming a coach, I rowed all throughout my high school career; rowing quickly became my outlet. If I was sad or angry or frustrated, rowing always helped me reduce those negative feelings. I always got off the water feeling much better than when I went out. Just like me, many kids using rowing as an outlet or a way to momentarily forget about their life stressors. 

I've been a part of this program since its start. The Unionville rowing program started almost five years ago and has made huge improvements over time. We started with nothing: no equipment and a very small team. The rowers began raising money through bake sales and various other fundraisers. and eventually, we were able to purchase our own sets of oars and multiple fantastic boats. Being able to purchase our own equipment is not our only success. Over the years, many of our boats have received numerous medals, qualified for regionals and scholastic nationals.

These rowers have also developed crucial traits such as: teamwork, dedication, responsilibity, time management and respect. However, our team has developed these qualities through more than just rowing. The team as a whole participates in some sort of community outreach to give back. We have built a playground as well as participating in United For Her numerous times to help raise awareness for breast cancer. This team is not only dedicated to their sport and their team but also their community.

This is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports; however, rowing is also one of the more expensive sports out there. Our equipment is mainly paid for and bought by money the club makes through fundraising, sponsors and donors. I'm setting out to raise $2000 to help the team buy the equipment we need as our team continues to grow. This is nowhere near the amount we need but anything thing helps. Without the support of outside resources, the team would not be able to buy all the necessary equipment to ensure a successful racing season for each and every rower. Any amount that you can spare would mean the world to this team. Every dollar counts! 

I'd like to thank my fellow coaches for dedicating so much to each rower and the growth of this team. I'd also like to thank the Unionville Rowing Club Board because without them our team would not be able to be functional, productive and successful. Of course, a huge thank you goes out to the numerous companies that sponsor our team: Tolsdorf Oil Lube and Express, Fox's Pizza Den, Capacity for Change, Northbrook Market Place, Premier Orthopaedics, Horizon Services, Wardius Dental, Chadds Ford Creations, David Auto, Dick's Sporting Goods, Concept 2k, Weichert Realtors, and The Comparative Management Wealth Group! 

Thank you so much for any donation you can make and taking the time to give your support to the Unionville Rowing Club! 

**Any donation you make is tax deductible to the extent of IRS Regulations!**