During gym class in eighth grade, Sebastiana Lopez was introduced to the sport of rowing. A coach from Row New York came to their class and talked about the after-school program where students could learn rowing and receive academic support. For the rest of their adolescent schooling, Lopez spent every Monday to Saturday on the river, benefiting from career prep, tutoring and or mental health support.
Lopez committed to row for a Division One program in Pennsylvania during their senior year of high school. After completing their sophomore year, Lopez transferred to Temple University and has since thrived as an Owl.
Head Coach Rebecca Grzybowski has noticed Lopez’s impact on the team—not only as someone the other members look to for support, but as one of the best rowers on the team, recognized as one of the most improved athletes this past season.
“They have really leaned into the opportunities we have put in front of them and really connected with athletes and has a good ability to read the room,” said Grzybowski. “They make sure everyone is getting what they need, both emotionally and technically, and can connect with people on an emotional level.”
During the first week of school, the rowing team walks around campus to find new recruits to join the team. Lopez ensures to tag along to show students it does not matter what you look like, but that anyone, no matter their background, can be a successful rower.
On the team, Lopez has made sure to amplify underrepresented voices. From their start at Row New York they have seen the lack of diversity and representation in the costly and predominantly White sport. As a first-generation Mexican American student, Lopez has worked to make rowing inclusive for all who want to join.
Lopez is part of Rowing In Color, a non-profit podcast committed to amplifying the voices of people of color in the sport of rowing. The organization gained widespread attention at last year’s Head of the Charles Regatta by debuting an all-Black women’s eight and an all-BlPOC mixed eight. Lopez was one of the individuals in the all-BIPOC eight team breaking history in the event.
Junior rower Eve Keesecker met Lopez during the spring of her freshman year and has since seen the dedication Lopez has for the program. Keesecker and Lopez are both coxswain on the team, a difficult position on the boat that requires a high level of communication among teammates.
“Seb has really worked hard to make sure that everyone on the team feels included and welcomed no matter what they look like or how they may identify,” Keesecker said. “They get a lot of respect from the team because of how much they have done for the sport. Everyone knows making rowing diverse and inclusive is really important to Seb.”
Outside of the rowing world, Lopez currently helps host Update Ahora a show on TUTV -Temple University Television. They have had the opportunity to cover stories from all around the community.
“My parents are from Mexico and they do not know English, so, communicating and keeping up with my language is very important to me,” Lopez said.
Lopez completed their Bachelor of Arts in Journalism this past spring and made the last second decision to continue their studies post-graduation. They are currently working on their Master of Arts in Journalism, while also competing on the rowing team. After Lopez wraps up their graduate program next summer, they are looking to pursue a career in broadcast journalism and continue to use their bilingual skills.
In their master’s programs, Lopez creates packages and written stories on South Philadelphia and smaller neighborhoods and finds the need to give a voice to represent those communities. They find small business and organizations and tell stories not seen in the media today.
From the classroom to the river, Lopez has helped advance conversations about representation and provided a voice to the voiceless. Their dedication is a testament to the need for inclusion in the sports world and how every individual can make a difference.