Senior rower Sarah Reis is far from deep sleep as the sun breaks over the horizon at 4 a.m. When her alarm goes off she begins preparing for practice, which includes jogging downtown with her club crew teammates to the Milwaukee River. By 6 a.m., Reis and her teammates are swiftly gliding down the river as the morning sun creeps up.
Reis’ story is one of hard work and dedication, fitting for a demanding sport that clashes with most students’ schedules. In 2013, Reis had never rowed in her life. By 2016 she was an American Collegiate Rowing Association All-American.