By Annie Fitzpatrick, Assistant Sports Editor |

If you have ever been by the Charles River, you most likely have seen the Winsor Crew team speed by. At the front of the boat sits coxswain and crew captain Zaara Mehra ’26, using her expert steering and enthusiastic motivation to empower her rowers. The Banner recently had the chance to talk with Zaara about her Winsor Crew experience as her senior season comes to an end.  

How is your role as a coxswain different from a rower?

It’s my job to direct the boat and command my rowers. As a coxswain, I am there to be the brain for my rowers and help them push themselves beyond what they think they can do. 

What is your favorite part about being on Winsor’s crew team? 

My favorite part about Winsor Crew is my teammates because they genuinely push me to be a better version of myself. They make me realize how much that we can all do when we work all together.

How have you grown as a person throughout your time as a coxswain?

I have become a lot less shy. Being a coxswain gave me a place where I was really able to find my voice and be in control by knowing what I am doing. Where I found confidence in the boat, I was able to bring that confidence to other aspects of my life. I am a lot less afraid to speak and share my opinions because I believe in myself more.  

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from coxing or being a crew member?

I have learned from rowing that all you need is persistence, resilience, and relentlessness. I have learned that if you want it more than your opponents, you can genuinely do anything. Rowing has taught me that nothing is impossible. 

Who is someone you look up to or that you aspire to be like when you are coxing?

I look up to my dad as a leader. His big thing is leading with humility, and as a coxswain, I know that I am not rowing, and my rowers are going through a lot. When I am talking to the rowers, I try my very best to be humble and take their wants and their feelings and use that to make them go faster. I try to lead with humility, like my dad, especially when leading the other coxswains and as a captain. 

I also spoke with Winsor’s Head Crew Coach, Maura Flanagan, and she shared, “Zaara is a true athlete. She is fiercely competitive. She’s loyal to her teammates, and she’s never stopped learning. This has made her improve year after year into an incredible coxswain that leads this team.” Thank you, Zaara, for taking the time to share your experiences as a Winsor coxswain. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors as a Georgetown coxswain next year!

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.