Success is rarely the product of perfect conditions. Instead, it is shaped by the ability to adapt, persevere, and perform under less-than-ideal circumstances”
As a young high school athlete with aspirations to row in college, last minute changes in my home program left me bereft of coaching resources, teammates, and the ability to row on the water. These unfortunate circumstances made it seem like I would never be able to row again. However, I knew there was someone out there who would be able to help me achieve my personal goals and to persevere past these initial hardships. After meeting with Coach Neil, it was clear that his versatile coaching model and personal qualities as a coach would help me become successful as an athlete.
Coach Neil met with me on a weekly basis, shifted his schedule around to make time for technical sessions online, and gave me the support that I didn’t even know I needed. Every day after I finished a workout online, he contacted me to ask how it went and asked if I had any necessary comments that would help me improve. Coach Neil provided me with additional strength workouts and cross-training, and adjusted workouts when I went out of town or did not have access to an erg. In times of discouragement, he sent me articles that would help my mind put things into perspective, and he gave me advice to use during the college recruiting process. With his training and emotional engagement as a coach, he helped me take six seconds off my erg time and accomplish a goal that I had been working towards for so long. It is amazing to think that even though I did not have access to a program, team, or any in-person coaches, Coach Neil provided me with his own program and training.
His coaching model is truly versatile and one that will work for any type of athlete. Without Coach Neil, I would not have been able to accomplish my personal goals on the erg. In addition to pushing past a mental barrier with an erg score, I also learned valuable life lessons from him, and the importance of perseverance in “less-than-ideal” circumstances. No matter where you are in the world or what rowing experience you have, Coach Neil will be there for you and he will help take your technical, physical, and emotional skills to the next level. – M.G.
