DURHAM, N.C. – Duke rowing head coach Megan Cooke Carcagno and the Blue Devils will welcome 11 incoming freshmen to the program in August. Karly Pearson will come to Duke from Newport Beach, Calif.
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.
Karly Pearson
Newport Beach, Calif. l Newport Harbor High School
Prior to Duke: A member of the Newport Aquatic Center for the last four years, Pearson led the V8 boat to the USRowing Nationals for the last two years.
During her junior year, she helped the V8 to a 14th place finish at the national meet while her senior year the boat took 12th place. At the regional event, her boat placed third during junior year and second as a senior.
What is your favorite rowing memory?
KP: Qualifying the V8 for Nationals 2015 and 2016. The 2015 trip was the first time the Newport Aqautic Center had qualified in more than 15 years.
How did you get started in rowing?
KP: A family friend mentioned I would be perfect for the job of a coxswain considering how tiny I was. I checked it out and immediately found my second home and family at the Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) and absolutely loved the sport.
Why did you choose Duke?
KP: I chose Duke for a multitude of reasons. The endless opportunities it presents astound and excite me. The environment, the level of extraordinary education, the rowing team, the prestige and the campus all intrigue me. I chose Duke because in my heart I know this is where I will thrive.
What are your goals for your collegiate career?
KP: Be able to say that I have pursued every opportunity I have been given, built a close-knit community of lifelong friends who I will gain experience, intellect and honors from. I want to have a broader sense of purpose in life and what I will be doing to live life in a contributive and passionate way.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life?
KP: My parents. Without them I would not be where I am today. They have supported me in numerous ways and filled my life with support and love.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
KP: Do what you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.
Be the best “you” every day.
What you share with the world is what it keeps of you.
Quick Hits:
Favorite athlete: Ester Lofgren. We named our Varisty 8 Hudson after her and had the chance to toast the boat while meeting her and learning about her accomplishments. Very impressive woman.
Hobbies: Dancing! Walking on the beach. Playing with my dog. Making memories with friends.
If you were to play another sport, what would it be? Dancing. Or I would also pick soccer!
Non-athletic extracurricular activities: Played piano for nine years and has a first degree black belt in tae kwon doe.
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