To the cheers of teammates and family on the Weeks Footbridge, the Varsity 8 row by in synch, steadily gaining on Princeton University at the Head of the Charles Regatta. Along with a four-rower boat in lightweight women’s crew, the MIT rowers are about to make program history. Left to right: Chloe Thacker (coxswain), Priya Veeraraghavan (captain), Sharon Wu (captain), Elizabeth Martin, Annika Rollock, Valerie Hunter, Michelle Lauer, Kelly Barton, and Sylvia Sarnik (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)

Members of the Varsity 8 lineup prepare for race time. Valerie Hunter (front left) and Kelly Barton carry bow 39, a 200-pound boat, with help from Michelle Lauer (back left) and Sylvia Sarnik. Navigating the shell across the busy dock isn’t easy but directives like, “Ready up in the bow, swing to Boston,” get the job done. (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)

Coxswain Chloe Thacker (center right, with back turned) briefs members of the Varsity 8 about the high wind conditions along the 5-km course. Left to right: Sylvia Sarnik, Claire Martin-Doyle (head coach), Priya Veeraraghavan (captain), Sharon Wu (captain), Kelly Barton, Valerie Hunter, Elizabeth Martin, and Annika Rollok. “Wear layers,” says Thacker. “Be ready for water in the boat.” (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)

Teammates Michelle Lauer (left) and Sylvia Sarnik sit in the boathouse in the hours before making MIT history. The space has a camped-out family feel. Nervous first-year students lob earnest question at their elders: “What should I eat before the race?” (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)

At the Harold W. Pierce Boathouse, white oars with red T — the emblem of the Engineers — hang on the wall. During the regatta, alumni and parents fill the boathouse with an abundance of baked goods and team spirit. “Sports are such an important part of student life. It keeps them balanced,” says Pam Gannon ’84. (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)