Louise Sodergren
Squads
About Louise:
What course are you studying and what level?
DPhil in Economics
Why did you chose that course?
I find the subject fascinating! Economics is all about how individuals make choices and how those decisions aggregate to create the systems in society that we live in whether they be small groups of societies or larger companies and full economies
When, where and why did you start rowing? And what do you love about the sport?
I started rowing at the University of Warwick. I had grown up doing a number of water-sports like windsurfing and sailing and joining one of the most land-locked universities in the country I was looking for a way to be out on the water. I loved it!
I broke my back in my final year and when I came to Oxford I was a bit nervous to see what I could do physically so I thought I would give coxing a go, and I even more!
Coxing brings together all of the things that I really enjoy: There’s an academic side of understanding the physics of boats and water, there’s a social side, so bonding with people and figuring out what drives them, then there’s the music and rhythm to racing calls and finally there’s this feeling of precision when you’ve learnt those individual components and know them so well that you feel like you can anticipate the moves that are needed during an outing or race!
What was your first rowing club and coach?
For rowing University of Warwick – Phil Costen
For coxing University of Oxford, Hertford College – Graham Steven Topping
What or who was the earliest sporting inspiration you remember as a child?
Most of my local sailing instructors, one of whom was a relatively short woman with a lot of spirit! I thought it was amazing how she was able to navigate a huge boat on an ocean with turbulent waves and wind, and run an entire business in a sphere that was quite male-dominated!
How has rowing and being part of the Boat Race squad impacted your life?
I’ve just started this year and only done a few sessions but so far it’s really helped structure my broader goals in life! I arrived wanting to push my limits and to become the best cox that I can be. As everyone you meet is incredibly ambitious and knowledgeable it helps you learn very quickly, from the rowing content to how to structure your daily plans! The positivity across the team is also infectious and really helps boost your confidence!
If you weren’t a rower, what sport do you think you’d excel at?
If there was an ocean nearby maybe windsurfing, otherwise back to dance!
What is your favourite non-academic book?
Confessions of a Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella – a series of books I’ve read since I was little, very light and non serious comedy but very enjoyable!
