BOSTON -- On April 2nd, women's rowing alumnae Chloe Laverack will position herself in the six seat on the River Thames, firmly grasping the oars, ready to compete for Oxford in the historic Women's Boat Race.
 
The Boat Race is an annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The race is watched by thousands along the banks of the Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London, and will be viewed on television by millions more around the world. The first Women's Boat Race took place in 1927 and this year's race will be the 72nd Women's Boat Race of all time.
 
Laverack's journey started as a walk-on on the Northeastern women's rowing team. Head coach Joe Wilhelm was immediately blown away by Laverack's work ethic and determination to succeed and help her team win.
 
"Chloe came to Northeastern as a pure walk-on, but within a year she was in the 2V and rowed in the first varsity by her third year," Wilhelm said. "She is one of the hardest working, most competitive athletes I have had the pleasure to coach."
 
During her time as a Husky, Laverack was part of the teams that won the Orange Challenge Cup, Woodbury Cup, CAA championship and led the crew to the NCAA Championships.
 
However, when looking back at her favorite memories at Northeastern, Laverack points out the intense training that would test her physical and mental limits rather than the championships and accolades.
 
"I loved the intense winter training circuits that never seemed to end, but we always got through them as a team. The memories that I have that are good from Northeastern rowing have always had me come out stronger at the other end and pushed me to a new level," said Laverack.
 
Now, Laverack will use all the training she did while at Northeastern as she rows for Oxford in this demanding 6.8 kilometer race. As she points out, there are no silver medals in the Boat Race.
 
"It is not like normal race, head race or Olympic distance. It's a dual race, going a 2k pace for 6.8k, and there can only be one winner coming first and the other team has to come last. There has to be that idea that it is a fight for a length to get ahead and stay ahead and then worry about the finish line later," said Laverack.
 
On April 2nd, members of the Northeastern Rowing family from past and present will turn their attention to London to see Laverack represent Northeastern as she pushes herself to her mental and physical limit.
 
"She has represented Northeastern well at Oxford, both in the classroom and on the water. We couldn't be more proud of her," said Wilhelm.