FALL ‘25 COACHES REPORT — LIGHTS
Lizzy Houston, Associate Head Coach, Lightweight Women
This fall was a meaningful step forward for our program. Our freshman class came in ready, curious, competitive, and excited to learn. They’ve already raised the quality of training and added to the identity of the team that embodies our core values. It’s been so fun watching them find their place while also pushing the standard.
In addition to our freshmen, we welcomed Maecy Rickman as the latest lightweight assistant coach. She’s been a tremendous asset to our team, coming from an extensive lightweight rowing background and successful career with the BU Lights. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Maecy to build depth and watch her continue growing her own coaching career. She’s already made a meaningful impact on the group, and I have no doubt that she will continue to help our team progress.
Across the board, we’ve made exciting progress. The team is rowing better, moving better, and approaching each day with more intention. There’s a growing sense of responsibility and accountability taking shape among the team, which is really raising the bar. Everyone has bought into the process so far, and I’m very excited for what’s to come. The improvements on the water and on the ergs reflect that shift in mindset, and we’re looking forward to an exciting racing season ahead.
A standout piece of this fall has been additional time spent alongside our open women. Sharing the boathouse more fully has changed the tone of training. There’s a competitiveness and camaraderie that’s made our space lively, unified, and motivating. It’s pushed our lightweights in the best way and reminded us that our speed exists within a larger team ecosystem. We’ve been having such a blast.
We traveled to San Diego together, and the lights performed well. As the only lightweight team in the field, they raced with confidence and composure, showing just how much growth had taken place this fall, especially considering we had only a few weeks of training behind us. It gave the group a clear reminder that we can step into big challenges, respond, and have fun. A quiet, earned sign of progress.
We’re excited to move into the winter season after break. It’s the stretch of training that isn’t always glamorous, but is always defining, and I’m confident in what the team is capable of achieving with strong commitment through winter training. This is where we continue to build the habits that will matter in April and May. More meters, good rhythm, and continued trust in the work. We don’t need to dress it up. Just consistency, patience, and continued ownership from everyone, in every seat, in every boat.
We continue to stay grateful for opportunities, entitled to none of them. And if we keep training with that mindset, spring won’t be a surprise; it will be a result of the intentionality and the work.
Excited for what’s ahead. For the racing, of course, but also for the day-to-day; the work that connects us, toughens us, and moves us toward something we’re proud to put the Stanford name on.
Yeah, Lights and GO CARD!
