Women’s rowing was formally established in 1908 and gained momentum in 1913 when
Lucy Pocock became involved as a coach.
Women’s rowing was suspended at the University of Washington (UW) in 1910 after
the Gymnasium Director thought it too hard for females. The sport was reduced from a
racing emphasis to a form and beauty contest, the women were judged not on speed but on
their outfits and graceful sculling. Competitive rowing was brought back to UW and Lucy
was hired as the first coach in 1913. Women’s rowing ended in 1920 at UW and was
resurrected in the 1970's.
Lucy came from a family of rowers and boat builders, her brother George Pocock became
a master builder of racing shells. Coming from a long line of Thames watermen on both sides
of the family, Lucy was encouraged by her father to pursue rowing activities. At 6 feet tall and
with family support, Lucy won all that she could in England; and, then Lucy immigrated to America
with her father and sister. The family sought out her brothers Dick and George Pocock, and
their boat business in Seattle.
Lucy and the women rowers worked with worn-out, hand-me-down equipment and were given
the worst training times for practice rowing. As an early pioneer in women’s rowing
she persevered as she had a passion for rowing.
April 6th Book Discussion: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans & their Epic Quest for the
Gold at the Berlin Olympics