Grant Shore '26: rowing

Ripples spread throughout the water while the crowd of spectators hold their breath. All of a sudden a large cheer erupts as Grant Shore ’26 rows through the finish line of the prestigious Head of Charles regatta, a highly regarded race in the rowing world. Shore and his team end up placing fourth, in a race that attracted thousands from across the globe.

Shore initially lived in Wisconsin but later moved to New Jersey and took an interest in rowing. Shore’s older brother Rory first introduced him to intramural rowing team during eighth grade at the Hun School. Shore medaled in a few of the races during that season and decided to row for the Princeton National Rowing Association (PNRA) that summer.

“I played basketball throughout middle school and in the freshman year of high school,” said Shore. “Up until I was 10 years old, I’d say ski racing was my main sport, then basketball, and then [I moved to] New Jersey. For the last two years, two and a half years now, rowing has been kind of my main sport.”

After transferring to PHS during the fall of his sophomore year, Shore decided to pursue rowing full time. Early on in his rowing journey, former Princeton University rower and boys rowing varsity coach Jamie Hamp became one of Shore’s biggest role models.

“He’s really been able to provide a lot of insight into the whole process of training,” said Shore. “He’s been very helpful in giving insight on what optimal nutrition is, what the optimal pacing for each workout [and] optimal ways to plan out your day to best ... orient your recovery. And it’s just been very helpful to have coaches like that.”

In July 2024, Shore competed internationally and was a quarterfinalist in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. He competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta and placed fourth in the Under 19 (U19) eight category last year in October as well. For these accomplishments, Shore had to persevere and make tough decisions on a daily basis.

“[I make] sure each night I am getting my homework done in a timely fashion so that I can get to sleep. During the day, [I make] sure I’m getting all my work done, [so] ... going into practice, I don’t have anything I need to handle that would take away from practice,” said Shore.

Even with his acheivements, Shore recognized that rowing is an extremely demanding sport. When he first joined PNRA, Shore struggled with getting used to the intensity of the training and the environment.

“He wasn’t acclimated to that volume. And so he did hit a little bit of a plateau, and he did struggle a little bit,” said Hamp. “I told him to relax, take a deep breath, [and] it’s not that big of a deal."

With the help of coaches and teammates, Shore was able to overcome this obstacle, both mentally and physically.

“But the hard part, I guess, is just kind of getting through it and realizing what is it that’s holding me back, what is it that needs to be overcome?” said Shore. “And then once you address that factor and overcome it, then obviously start to improve again.”

Still, Shore was already a prominent rower early in his career. Teammate Will Kovalick ’27 recalls meeting Shore during his freshman year met.

“He was in the one V as a sophomore, which is pretty impressive,” said Kovalick.

Not only is he technically skilled, Shore is also a role model to his fellow teammates.

“I feel like he’s always there for advice [and someone] I can look up to, and he’s helped me develop my leadership skills … and it’s just his common nature to act as a leader,” said Vrishank Nalla, who competed with Shore at nationals.

Both Nalla and Hamp say that, once Shore has his mind set on something, he doesn’t take his mind off of it until it is complete.

“He’s not a very big vocal person. He’s more of a lead by example guy …he’s got this quality that, when he talks in the boat or says something in a meeting or says his goals for the boat, everyone’s listening,” said Hamp.

Shore’s main goal is to qualify for the U-23 national team, as last year was his final year on the U-19 team.

“So my goal would be to try and get on [the national team] sometime [in] the next two or three years, and then try and obviously compete for a medal this year.” Shore said.

This August, Shore was selected to represent team USA for the U19 Men’s World Rowing Championships in Lithuania. As rowing has shaped Shore over these past few years, he has grown as not only a rower but a person. Shore doesn’t just enjoy getting out on the water and winning, he loves being able to meet different people that all share common interests and goals with him.

“The camaraderie is definitely my favorite part, getting to meet a lot of unique and interesting people,” said Shore. “The people who you row with, kind of whatever reason you keep coming back and keep talking to them, because it just bonds you in a way.”