Rowing Unveils Kira's Corner

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville rowing team unveiled Kira's Corner at the G. Garvin Brown II Rowing Center on Sept. 7. The facility addition, along with Kira's Challenge, a specially-tailored training program were dedicated in the memory of Louisville rowing alumna Kira (Lawson) DeBoer who passed away in 2023.

"Our rowing program is proud to honor Kira's memory with a newly-outfitted portion of the boathouse as well as a unique workout," said UofL head coach Derek Copeland. "Kira's Corner is designed to accommodate an individual athlete lift as well as full team circuits."

DeBoer was a member of the Cardinals' rowing team from 2007 through 2011. During her time at Louisville, she was an exemplary student-athlete who helped the Cardinals' second varsity eight to a runner-up finish in the 2011 BIG EAST Championship. She also helped Louisville to three Soutn/Central regional appearances.

After earning her bachelor's degree in 2011, she worked as a Canadian Wildland Firefighter. She went on to work as a licensed massage therapist and was months away from completing her degree to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine when, in the late stages of cancer, she completed her exams and was presented with an honorary degree.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, the UofL Rowing community including both current and former team and staff members gathered with DeBoer's family at the G. Garvin Brown II Rowing Center to unveil a mounted graphic and equipment in a training area dedicated to DeBoer's memory.

Given DeBoer's dedication to Crossfit, UofL assistant coach Egan Berne consulted with DeBoer's teammates and friends to develop the Kira Challenge, a workout program to incorporate classic CrossFit exercises with rowing-specific ones.

"While I didn't know Kira, I'm incredibly grateful to have been a part of this project from the ground up," said Berne. "In working with her friends and family to create a permanent space for her in the boathouse, I understand the kind of unbreakable, unstoppable woman that she was—the same kind of women that we hope to build in this program. When it comes to the Kira Challenge, I hope that our team can fully throw themselves into the workout. It is the best way to honor their fellow Cardinal and honor the unstoppable woman they're becoming."

The Kira Challenge will utilize the G. Garvin Brown III Rowing Center and surrounding Waterfront Park.

"Kira's Challenge is a workout that was created by Coach Berne with Kira's family and teammates," added Copeland. "This workout provides a space for individual competition en route to team achievements. The workout is a 'legend' style workout similar to what you might find in a Crossfit gym and we will repeat this workout annually with our team and alumni."

<>

A week ago today we unveiled a space that forever honors Kira (Lawson) DeBoer & will positively impact Louisville Rowing teams for years to come ??

Details: https://t.co/0JEJaxS2zj #GoCards pic.twitter.com/CuHkqAGanf
— Louisville Rowing (@LouisvilleROW) September 14, 2024

University of Louisville Athletics

Related Videos