Coming back to the Head of the Charles Regatta was like a homecoming for Paralympic coxswain Emelie Eldracher. The 2024 silver medalist, MIT grad (undergrad and grad degree), lifelong student and fashion lover is now earning her second masters degree across the pond but has stayed connected to the sport and was racing with her mixed Worlds team. She is combining her passions of science and data with para athletics to advance the sport and create more opportunities. Today we dive in to:

• why coming back to the Charles River feels like home to the Team USA and former MIT athlete
• coxing advice for the Head of the Charles course
• how she got involved with the para-rowing program in Canada in 2019
• path to rowing, and specifically coxing
• how she combines her passion for technology and data with para-athletics to support advancements and opportunity
• benefits of innovations in para sports for all athletes
• the differences between coxing for men, women, and mixed teams
• how her love for style and design developed
• the science behind workout apparel and its material
• HOCR weekend and Worlds reunion boat

Follow along with Emelie on social: @eeldracher

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube

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Haymakers For Hope brings fighters together to build community, find purpose, and most importantly, knockout cancer. Co-founder Julie Kelly, a cancer survivor, wanted to raise money and fight cancer in a meaningful way and the endurance events (marathons & triathlons) just weren't doing it for her. Haymakers started in 2011 and has grown immensely since, including the launch of a women's fight night called 'Belles of the Brawl.' 2025 Belle Janella Casella stepped into the ring to honor her son's battle and victory with cancer. She walked away with a win, new passion for boxing & lifelong friendships. Today we dive in to:

• What inspired founders Julie Kelly and Andrew Meyerson to create the event in 2011 and how's it expanded to new cities and grown in scope
• How the fighters' whys drive the event
• The impact of the over $35 million raised for cancer-focused charities
• 2025 Belle Janelle Casella's reason for fighting and journey to the fight night
• How boxing is the perfect metaphor for life
• The strong lessons the sport and boxing community can teach
• How anyone can get involved in supporting fighters and/or signing up for 2026 events

To learn more: haymakersforhope.org

Follow along on social: @haymakers4hope

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube

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It's a special thing when a mother and daughter share a passion. And even more special when they get to enjoy it together professionally, and personally. The first time Keira Gotrell got on the water she fell in love. Her mom, Myrna, wasn't far behind and quickly understood her daughter's passion. Over a decade later, the women now coach the Hackensack Crew team together, a program that Keira founded in 2018 when she wanted to represent her high school in competition. Today we dive in to:

• How Keira (and ultimately Myrna) found rowing by chance
• Founding the Hackensack Crew team in 2018; lessons in advocacy & finding support systems
• What coaching as a mother-daughter duo is really like
• Myrna's battle with breast cancer & how the sport has supported her through it
• Rowing the Head of the Charles Regatta together
• Allowing rowing to be what it needs to be for you (and no one else!)
• Their non-profit Hope on Water

Find more info about Hope on Water on social: @hopeonwater

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube

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