Rowing has been described as one of the most grueling and demanding sports around, as far as needing tremendous physical toughness and mental resilience. To Eden Alfi, it is simply not a sport, it is something that will consume more than a lifetime, test the boundaries, and give her an escape to break down stereotypes. From the journey of developing Gulliver Prep’s rowing squad to being accepted into the University of Pennsylvania’s elite crew, Alfi has overcome many obstacles.

Alfi was just nine when she first got into the water, copying her mother and brother. What began as a family tradition then became her personal aspiration. “Once I got on the water, I totally fell in love with it,” she says. 

“There’s something about the rhythm, the power, and the challenge of constantly trying to get faster that hooked me,” she said.

That level of control and discipline resonated deeply with Alfi, setting her on the path to excellence.

Alfi’s high school rowing career was far from ordinary. Instead of joining an established program, she began one. During her sophomore year at Gulliver Prep, she brought the school’s rowing team to life, opening the door for other student athletes to follow. 

 “A lot of my experience has been about building and developing the program from scratch,” she explains.

With her leadership, the team prospered, gaining a devoted coach and competing successfully. For Alfi, victories over rival schools became personal; each win was proof of the team’s hard work and her own perseverance.

Although rowing is divided into men’s and women’s teams, Alfi has faced her fair share of gender bias. 

“They assume we are weak, which is ridiculous.” Instead of letting these assumptions discourage her, she uses them as fuel. “I just prove them wrong—over and over again,” she said.

Instead of being discouraged by such assumptions, she uses them as motivation for herself. 

“I just show them otherwise, again and again,” she said.

Rowing is a sport that is often stereotyped as “manly,” but Alfi embraces the physical strength that it requires and will not shortchange herself to fit in with traditional stereotypes. 

“I can’t say that I don’t have big muscles or that I’m not strong. And I’m proud of it,” She said.

With her natural ability, strong work ethic, and leadership skills, Alfi secured a highly sought-after position on the University of Pennsylvania’s rowing team. Committing to Penn was not difficult.

“Penn has everything I wanted: an incredible team, top-tier facilities, and a culture of excellence,” she says. “The team’s work ethic matches mine, and I know I’ll be surrounded by people who push me to be better every single day.”

Beyond rowing, she was drawn to Penn’s academic rigor, achieving just the right mix between her future professional ambitions and sporting hopes. Now, heading into college rowing, she is excited to experience the next level of competition. 

“I finally get to row an eight, which is my favorite boat, instead of just being in a single all the time,” she says with excitement. “The coaching style will be new, and I know that’s going to make me a stronger athlete,” she said.

To her, the sport is not just an athletic test, it is a lesson in life about perseverance, toughness of mind, and self-confidence. 

“Rowling tells you how to push yourself past your limits every single day,” she says. “That mentality carries into everything I do: academics, life, and the way I approach challenges. Rowing doesn’t just make you physically strong, it makes you mentally unstoppable,” she said.

Alfi’s college rowing is just the beginning. She has already competed for the USA National Team at the World Championships, something she refers to as her proudest moment. Looking to the future, she has her sights on the 2032 Olympics, representing Team USA on the top international stage.

“I plan to go to the Olympics. it would be in 2032 because I’ll probably be too young for 2028,” she says. “But if not, I still want to keep competing at Worlds and representing Team USA,” she said.

Wherever her competitive life takes her, Alfi is certain of one thing: rowing will be a part of her life. 

 “I plan to never stop rowing, it is a part of me now.”