DURHAM, N.C. – Duke rowing head coach Megan Cooke Carcagno and the Blue Devils will welcome 11 incoming freshmen to the program in August. Lelia Boley will come to Duke from Westport, Conn.
Check back to GoDuke.com throughout the coming weeks for profiles on each of the incoming Blue Devils, and be sure to follow the team all year on Twitter and Facebook.
Lelia Boley
Westport, Conn. l Staples High School
Prior to Duke: Boley has rowed for the Saugatuck Rowing Club for four years. One of her club coaches is current Duke assistant Chase Graham.
With Saugatuck, earned fourth place at the Head of the Charles event during her sophomore year. Followed up the next year by winning the V8 title at the Head of the Charles. Also earned a V8 first place finish at the San Diego Crew Classic and USRowing Youth Nationals. Finished career with another "triple crown" of V8 victories at the Head of the Charles, San Diego Crew Classic and USRowing Youth Nationals.
What is your favorite rowing memory?
LB: The Head of the Charles my sophomore year. Having such a crazy awesome experience so early in my rowing career really helped me enjoy the sport.
How did you get started in rowing?
LB: I am tall. I guess, at some point, I just got sick of people telling me I should try rowing, so I did.
Why did you choose Duke?
LB: Duke is so cool. It has everything to me: awesome academics, great people, a serious and competitive D1 rowing team and a great environment. It's also in a great location. I know I will be happy there.
What are your goals for your collegiate career?
LB: I have plenty of goals upon graduation, but really I just want to find something I love to do and be happy doing it.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life?
LB: Probably Chase [Graham] and everyone else who welcomed me into the super-competitive rowing community. Without their help, as well as my parents', I really don't think I would have loved this sport so much, or changed in the positive ways I have.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
LB: With the experienced coaches and athletes I have been able to work with, I have received a lot more advice than I could possibly remember, but I think the two truest things I have been told are these:
- Life has so many ups and downs. There will be times when everything stinks and you just want to break down and quit. Then, there will be times when you are happy with everything going on. The key is to not let the things get to you. Work through everything and don't let yourself take an emotional rollercoaster ride.
- Don't let the stuff you can't control get to you. With the little stuff that won't impact anyone in the long run, just leave it. Stand up for what you believe in, but don't make waves that don't need to be made.
Quick Hits:
Favorite athlete: Ryan Lochte, of course
Hobbies: Country music, and any way I can compete in anything
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Either volleyball or water polo for sure
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