At the heart of New Orleans, at Xavier University of Louisiana, two coaches decided to challenge tradition—by bringing an elite sport to an unexpected place and building something that had never existed before: the first co-ed rowing program at a Historically Black College and University. Xavier University Rowing Club is a trailblazing force in collegiate sports, championing diversity and unity on Bayou St. John.

Coaches Beth Manley and Chloé Jobin, and rower Victoria Duffey, are at the heart of the grassroots effort fueled by the belief that sports have the power to change minds and communities. Every stroke they take on the water is a step towards breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future for rowing.

QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Episode intro

02:05 - Co-Hosts Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan banter

06:14 - The Huddle: A quick get to know guests Beth Manley, Victoria Duffey, and Chloé Jobin

07:41 - Welcome guests and Rowing week on a scale of 1-10: a mixed bag of rain, gators, and flip tests

08:43 - The Hot Seat Q&A

11:18 - For Victoria, the importance of attending an HBCU

14:30 - XULA’s location in New Orleans

15:04 - What sparked the idea of starting a rowing program at XU?

16:55 - No blueprint for starting a rowing club at XULA

19:27 - Partnership with New Orleans Rowing Club

22:07- Victoria: from Crossfit to XULA Rowing Club walk-on and beyond

25:50 - Building club culture of accountability, leadership, and building each other up

30:24 - Training, growth, and plans

33:48 -  About being the first, motivation and the legacy of XULA. Contextualize what you're doing and the space that you're making for other people

40:23 - Steady State Network news and notes

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To see photos of Victoria, Chloé, Beth, and XULA Rowing Club, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

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This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons.

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Steady State Podcast is hosted and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering, books show guests, and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel writes our scripts and e-newsletter, and manages the website and social media. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

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