Photo by: © row2k Media
Harper Hoping to Row in Paris Olympics
5/3/2023 11:11:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Junior Pio Looks to Build Off National Team Experience
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Saige Harper, a junior on the Sacred Heart University Rowing Team, overcame a water tubing accident at age 14 that nearly cost her a leg.
There were times she didn't know if she would walk again. Now she is hoping to become the school's first U.S. Olympian.
Harper trained with the U.S. Senior National Team last summer with a group of young rowers hoping to represent the country at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She made the U.S. Paralympic (PR3) 4+ which qualified for the A final where they took fifth in the world. That event was in the Czech Republic in 2022.
That summer she also went to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and placed first and second in the 4+ and 2x, respectively, while Harper was first at the USRowing summer nationals in the 4+.
She has overcome the water trauma to thrive on its surface.
"It was hard for me to find the love for waters sports again after the accident. The water was the thing that almost killed me," said Harper, an Easthampton, Mass., native who suffered through numerous infections after the accident and spent months in a hospital. "I had to learn how to walk again and think about where to put my feet."
Harper, who sits in the four seat for SHU's top eight, has impressed everyone in the program.
"We are so proud of the way Saige represents Sacred Heart," said Lucas Wilhelm, SHU Head Coach. "I wish I could take credit for any of her tenacity or her resilience but that is God given. She brings a lot of energy to every practice and cheers for everyone else on the roster. It's awesome to be able to cheer for her in red…. white and blue."
The physical impact of the accident still exists as she continues to suffer from neuropathy. Mind over matter is what gets her going.
"I did it for the little girl who was in the hospital bed for months and did PT three times a week, thinking she might never walk again," said Harper. "I needed to know that I could do this, and I can get this far and help break the stereotype of what is disabled."
The international experience has had a positive impact on her and will continue to be motivational.
"I had never been overseas or around world class athletes like that, something I will remember forever."
The Pioneers, with Harper in their engine room, are competing in the May 12 MAAC Championships. Shortly after she will head to Princeton, N.J., to training and selection camps hoping to make the 2x and the 4.
Overcoming her mental and physical obstacles has been inspirational for all SHU rowers.
There were times she didn't know if she would walk again. Now she is hoping to become the school's first U.S. Olympian.
Harper trained with the U.S. Senior National Team last summer with a group of young rowers hoping to represent the country at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She made the U.S. Paralympic (PR3) 4+ which qualified for the A final where they took fifth in the world. That event was in the Czech Republic in 2022.
That summer she also went to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and placed first and second in the 4+ and 2x, respectively, while Harper was first at the USRowing summer nationals in the 4+.
She has overcome the water trauma to thrive on its surface.
"It was hard for me to find the love for waters sports again after the accident. The water was the thing that almost killed me," said Harper, an Easthampton, Mass., native who suffered through numerous infections after the accident and spent months in a hospital. "I had to learn how to walk again and think about where to put my feet."
Harper, who sits in the four seat for SHU's top eight, has impressed everyone in the program.
"We are so proud of the way Saige represents Sacred Heart," said Lucas Wilhelm, SHU Head Coach. "I wish I could take credit for any of her tenacity or her resilience but that is God given. She brings a lot of energy to every practice and cheers for everyone else on the roster. It's awesome to be able to cheer for her in red…. white and blue."
The physical impact of the accident still exists as she continues to suffer from neuropathy. Mind over matter is what gets her going.
"I did it for the little girl who was in the hospital bed for months and did PT three times a week, thinking she might never walk again," said Harper. "I needed to know that I could do this, and I can get this far and help break the stereotype of what is disabled."
The international experience has had a positive impact on her and will continue to be motivational.
"I had never been overseas or around world class athletes like that, something I will remember forever."
The Pioneers, with Harper in their engine room, are competing in the May 12 MAAC Championships. Shortly after she will head to Princeton, N.J., to training and selection camps hoping to make the 2x and the 4.
Overcoming her mental and physical obstacles has been inspirational for all SHU rowers.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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