A Day in the Life Novella R, Hope ‘25, Rower & Scholar
Novella’s day on December 4th provides a glimpse into the life of a dedicated student-athlete. As a Grade 12 at Brentwood, a member of the Canadian Junior National Rowing Team, and a University of Michigan commit, in a single day Novella balances intense training, the pursuit of academic excellence, and leadership responsibilities.
Her day begins early - at 5:40 a.m. After a quick change into workout gear, she fuels up with a high-protein smoothie before heading to her first training session at 6:20. The session focuses on taper erg work in preparation for an upcoming 2k erg test, consisting of 2x500 and 2x250-meter pieces at her 2k pace.
By 8:00, Novella heads to Crooks Hall for breakfast with teammates, taking a moment to relax before her academic responsibilities. From 8:45 to 9:30, she completes her Pre-Calculus 12 homework, trying to stay ahead of her coursework. In class at 9:30, she and her classmate, Joel, work through the complexities of exponential functions.
After cookie break at 10:35, Novella heads to her Library Block where she works on test corrections and plans for the upcoming Captain's Dinner with her fellow Rowing Captain, William H, Ellis ‘25.
At 12:10, Novella shifts her attention to Calculus 12, tackling rates of change and derivatives. Though the material is challenging, she stays focused until lunchtime at 1:15 as it offers a chance to recharge with her friend, Emma, who has committed to row at Bucknell, before preparing for the afternoon's activities.
By 1:40, Novella is ready for her second rowing practice, which begins at 2:00. After a creative break in Hand-Built Pottery, she partners with Solena for steady-state rowing and pair drills at 3:00. Solena C, Alex ‘26 reflects on the pair rowing: "Rowing in a pair with Novella was incredibly beneficial for refining my technique." By 5:00, Novella meets with her coach, Mr Will Crothers, for a post-practice debrief to discuss strategies for her upcoming erg test.
The evening is filled with more academic work. At 5:15, she heads to the Centre of Innovation and Learning (CIL) for a focused study session, preparing for upcoming tests in Calculus, Pre-Calculus 12, and AP Chemistry. Dinner with friends at 6:00 provides a brief break before she participates in a Grad Council meeting to help organize the annual Snowball event.
Novella wraps up her day at 8:30 with a final study session, followed by a protein snack before hitting the hay at 10:30. Novella’s day is a perfect example of how hard work and passion can lead to success, both in the classroom and on the water.
To end off the week strongly, Brentwood rowers pulled a 2k test, where many got the chance to recognize their progress made so far this season. Novella was pleasantly surprised with her score: “I got a personal best by 2.6 seconds. It was my first PB in exactly one year so I was pretty excited to see the new number and climb up into the second-fastest 2k time in Brentwood history with 7:10, sitting next to Olympic Gold and Silver Medallist, Sydney Payne. Excited to build off of it!”
Novella is one of many Brentwood graduates who have chosen to pursue their sport at a collegiate level. Mr Ganley notes: “Brentwood athletes shine at numerous post-secondary institutions around the world.” At the University of Victoria alone, recent graduates shine in a variety of sports: Eli Baughen, Ellis ‘24, rowing; Jack Napier-Ganley, Ellis ‘21 & Wesley Jones, Whittall ‘24, soccer; Jagre Knight, Privett ‘23, golf; Gwynnie Frye, Mackenzie ‘22 rugby; and Dylan Gage, Whittall ‘23, basketball.
After the holidays, Novella and her teammates will continue their training towards spring highlights like the Brentwood Regatta & CRRSAs - and more studying!
Grace S, Allard ‘25