She may be the smallest person in the boat, but she has the biggest responsibility.

In crew, the coxswain is the athlete who steers the boat, directs the rowers, and keeps the entire boat working together through every stroke.

At Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Hadley Harris ‘27 has embraced that leadership role on the crew team. From the front of the boat, she guides her teammates with focus and determination, while still bringing the humor and positivity her friends admire.

“To me, crew means hanging out with my friends and approaching my sport from a competitive aspect,” Harris ‘27 said.

Ashlynn Loughin ‘27, who rows alongside Harris, describes her as “very uplifting.” According to Loughin, Harris brings balance to the boat.

“I really liked having her in my boat,” she said. “She was fun, but she made the practices serious when needed.”

Upperclassmen on the team have also played a role in Harris’ development as a coxswain. Shannon Shields ‘26, who spent time mentoring Harris, said their connection grew through everyday moments, like traveling to practice together.

“I would often give her tips on how to steer the four properly,” she explained. “There was a time when all of us didn’t know how to do it, but we learned together.”

Harris’ leadership extends beyond the water and into the classroom, where she leaves just as strong an impression.

Harris’ junior year Spanish teacher Sra. Annie Hoffman describes having Harris in class as “amazing,” noting that she is “bright, mature, and incredibly kind.” When asked if she would want Harris in her class again, her response was immediate: “100%.”

The ability to shift between focus and lightheartedness is part of what makes Harris such a strong teammate. The long practices and mental demands of coxing require discipline, but outside of practice her life is centered around the people she cares about most.

“I love hanging out with my friends,” she said. “We cook, and we love going to the beach.”

Cooking in particular has become one of her quiet talents. Addison Marcus, who has known Harris since “literally the first day of freshman year,” said, “My favorite thing about Hadley is that she’s very good at cooking.”

Their friendship was built on shared schedules and navigating through high school. “We go way back,” Marcus said.

Looking ahead, Harris is excited about the milestones of junior year. “I am excited for prom,” she said, already anticipating one of the year’s biggest traditions.

But beyond sports and social activities, Harris has developed a perspective shaped by growth. When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, she answered honestly: “I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about what other people think.”

The quote she lives by reflects that mindset. From “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” she repeats, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

That philosophy mirrors the way Harris approaches her life, moving forward with purpose but learning to stay present. On the water, in the classroom, and with her friends, she brings focus when it’s needed and positivity when it matters most.

In the end, Harris shows that while she is the smallest person in the boat, she carries the weight of its greatest responsibility with confidence, strength, and purpose.