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Emma Nicotra Speaks on Rise Through Rowing and Commitment to Kansas Jayhawks
The North Catholic Trojans rowing team is not just one of the best in Pennsylvania, but it’s one of the best in the entire country. Their top four-woman crew features four Division I signees that travel all over the United States seeking the best talent they can find.
A leader for this team, both in spirit and by position, is Emma Nicotra; a senior who recently signed her national letter of intent to the University of Kansas Jayhawks women’s rowing program. For those unfamiliar with rowing, the leader or stroke seat position of the boat sets the pace along with the coxswain based on how the boat is moving along. Think of the leader in rowing as a good slapper in softball. They’re typically at the top of the lineup and they try to set the rhythm for their half inning at the plate. A leader sets the pace and how fast or slow the boat needs to move at that exact moment in time.
The sport of rowing is something she’s participated in since her freshman year of high school. She originally played basketball as her primary sport and intended to do so in high school. But after some convincing from friends to give rowing a shot, she quickly became obsessed. Just three years later she committed to Big 12 Conference member Kansas.
I think rowing is a very underrated sport,” noted the North Catholic senior. “I had the completely wrong idea of it when I first heard about it. Rowing takes a lot of athleticism, hard work, and mental strength.”
A recent film directed by George Clooney called ‘The Boys In The Boat’ has opened many people’s eyes to the sport and what it takes to be a successful rower. The film depicts the rise of the 1936 University of Washington men’s eight-man crew team and their rise from junior varsity squad to Olympic gold medal winning team in a short time. “It’s incredible to see a movie that really depicts what goes into rowing. I definitely think recognition is long overdue, and now people can finally see the big picture,” said Nicotra of the movie.
Nicotra’s rowing team has had success of their own. The group took third in the Junior Girls 4+ at the Midwest Scholastic Championship in 2023, which earned them a spot at Scholastic Nationals in Oakridge, Tennessee. It was the first time that North Catholic had sent a team to nationals in eight years. The group also made it to the finals at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in 2023, placing fifth out of more than 50 teams. Stotesbury is the largest scholastic regatta in the United States. Individually, she was invited to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) in Jacksonville, Florida during the summer of 2021; a measure of success of how she stacks up comparatively to her peers in U.S. Rowing.
Both U.S. Rowing and college coaches took notice and she had various opportunities to continue her career past her time with the Trojans. She chose to explore a new state in Kansas and is excited to be a Jayhawk beginning later this year. “I chose Kansas because I felt I would get the most opportunity during my four years. The coaches were very welcoming during my visit and everything about it felt right. From the campus; to the people; to the energy; I instantly knew that this was a place I could call home for the next four years.”
The Butler County native intends to major in biology with a minor in psychology. She intends to use the knowledge she obtains to one day become a high school teacher. Making an impact on students’ lives is something close to her heart as several of her closest people in life have been coaches and teachers.
Her high school rowing coach Frank Sands and her history teacher Mrs. Boyer have been two of the most influential people in recent years. In years leading up to high school, her basketball trainer Jeremiah Barjolo and basketball coach Chris Carmody helped her become a better athlete and competitor.
She’s also incredibly thankful for the investment, love, and support her family has made in her becoming a great student-athlete. “My family remains my biggest fans and have supported all my passions throughout the years. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.”
Becoming a Division I rower may not have been a dream she had for herself just a few years ago, Emma Nicotra has quickly become a great leader in the sport and is well on her way to big things as she continues. The Trojans are poised for another big year and can’t wait for another season of traveling the country and hopefully finishing their season at high school nationals in New Jersey. Good luck in your senior season, Emma!
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