Influential

“[Kit Bennett has] been there since the beginning,” said Burns, accrediting her head coach as the biggest influence in her rowing career. Having taught her how to row nearly four years ago, Bennett was one of the first to encourage Burns to row when she was in middle school. So this summer, when Burns was offered a spot on the USA Junior rowing team, Bennett was one of the first to urge her on. Burn’s parents have encouraged her over the years as well, helping at the many Skyline regattas and urging her to row in college. “They just like seeing me happy, and I’m happy when I’m rowing— most of the time,” said Burns.