~The Launch~

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are excited to highlight Ulyssa Mata, a Team JL ambassador whose journey in rowing is deeply rooted in representation, perseverance, and advocacy. Inspired by Olympic rower Kenia Lechuga, Ulyssa set out to break barriers and create space for more diversity in the sport she loves. Although she has faced challenges and moments of doubt, Ulyssa continues to push forward to be the best version of herself. In this Q&A, Ulyssa shares how rowing has shaped her, the athletes who inspire her, and why representation in sports matters.

Each year, Purdue Crew engages in a fundraising effort known as the “Row-a-Thon.” The Row-a-thon event takes place at the Tippecanoe Mall in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a community service event to support both the Lafayette Urban Ministry’s (LUM) Good Samaritan Fund as well as Purdue Crew. This year, the Row-a-Thon will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 8am-6pm EST. Athletes will row a marathon, 26.2 miles, over the course of three hours on indoor rowing machines.