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Asal Mogharehdehkordy ’27 is a Biology major from Iran and a rower on Bryn Mawr’s (seat 6). She helped lead the rowing team to a historic second-place finish at the MARC Championships and a podium spot at the Dad Vail Regatta. Here, she shares her journey as a walk-on student athlete at Bryn Mawr.

What made you decide to walk on to your college team? What was the tryout or selection process like? 

I first learned about the rowing team during Fall Frolic, when I was walking around exploring different clubs and tables. I came across the crew team, and the members were so passionate as they talked about their experiences, not just rowing itself, but also the sense of teamwork and community they found. At the time, I was looking for a way to exercise regularly, and I thought, what could be better than starting my mornings with crew practice? 

As for the selection process, there really isn’t a traditional tryout. No prior rowing experience is required, so anyone can join! The team teaches you everything from scratch, which makes it very welcoming for beginners. 

How do you manage balancing academics with your athletic commitments?  

For me, it all comes down to time management and making the most of whatever time I have. If I use those windows wisely and really lock in without distractions, I can balance playing my sport, studying, and still making time for friends. That said, it can definitely get challenging at times; I’ve even sacrificed some sleep here and there (something I’m working on improving this semester!).  

One thing that’s been especially helpful is our weekly group study session each week. Being in a focused environment alongside my teammates helps me get a lot done. 

How has being an athlete impacted your overall college experience—social life, friendships, or sense of belonging? 

I love being part of such a large team! Practicing with my teammates every day and then grabbing breakfast together afterwards is one of my favorite parts of the routine. We also do team bonding activities that make us even closer. Being on the rowing team has really shown me how supportive teammates can be; they’re always encouraging you to push your limits, both on and off the water. It’s made my college experience feel so much more connected and meaningful. 

"Being on the rowing team has really shown me how supportive teammates can be; they’re always encouraging you to push your limits, both on and off the water."

What’s the team culture like, and how did you find your place as a walk-on?

From the moment I joined the team, everyone was incredibly welcoming to novices and first-years. As a walk-on, I never felt out of place; my teammates and coaches were understanding, supportive, and ready to help me learn. The team culture is really about lifting each other up, celebrating progress, and making sure everyone feels valued. 

What advice would you give to a high school student thinking about walking on to a college team? 

Definitely go for it! It’s so worth it, and you’ll gain so much from the experience. College goes by quickly, and it’s the perfect time to try something new. Whether you played a sport in high school and want to try something different, or you’ve never been on a team but are curious about athletics, walking on to a college team can be an amazing opportunity. You’ll get to stay active, build valuable friendships, and gain both physical and mental strength all while being part of a supportive community. 

What do you wish you had known before coming in as a student-athlete? 

I wish I had known just how much of a balancing act it really is. Being a student-athlete means learning to manage your time so you can give your best to academics, sport, and social life, while still taking care of yourself. At first, I underestimated how structured my days would need to be, but over time I realized that building good habits early makes everything feel much more manageable. 

It’s definitely challenging, but it also teaches you discipline and resilience in ways I didn’t expect.  

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey so far? 

I’m proud of how much I’ve pushed my limits, both physically and mentally. Joining the team helped me become more structured with my schedule and daily routine, and I’ve built amazing friendships along the way. I’m also really proud of the strength I’ve gained and the progress I’ve made since the very first day I walked on to the team.