Since early 2024, the distinctive sound of flywheels has filled the Boys & Girls Club gym every Friday afternoon, thanks to the dedication of volunteer coach Polli Schildge. With support from community partners and sheer determination, Polli launched the Club’s first youth indoor rowing program—an innovative fitness and leadership initiative that’s quickly become a hit with our kids.
A certified indoor rowing coach and longtime personal trainer, Polli saw rowing as more than just a physical workout. It’s also a tool for building confidence, community, and resilience. Her inspiration took root after watching A Most Beautiful Thing, a documentary based on the memoir by Arshay Cooper, a former member of the first all-Black high school rowing team. The story resonated deeply and sparked a vision: to bring the sport of rowing to young people in Asbury Park.
It took four years of outreach, partnership-building, and planning before that vision became reality. With support from Interfaith Neighbors, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, Monmouth University’s Women’s Rowing Coach, and Boys & Girls Club leadership, the program officially launched.
Each week, Club members work on technique, build strength, sharpen focus, cheer each other on, and grow as leaders. “In each session, I hope the kids have fun—learning to row is the by-product,” says Polli. “They’re incredibly eager to work hard and celebrate their progress.”
The program’s energy is infectious. Whether they’re racing their “boats” side by side, taking on team relays, or helping a new rower adjust their foot straps, the kids are learning the true meaning of teamwork—no one sits on the sidelines. In April, they were treated to an inspiring visit from Arshay Cooper himself, who came to the Asbury Park Clubhouse to share his story.
Rowing is a sport that’s often out of reach for young people due to the cost of equipment, coaching, and access to water. Polli’s vision aligned perfectly with the Club’s mission to remove barriers and provide equitable access to experiences that help young people discover new passions and possibilities.
Indoor rowing builds physical and mental strength in ways few other sports can match, and for some, it has sparked a deeper interest. Last summer, four girls from the program joined a local rowing team on the water in Red Bank—an experience that may not have been possible without this introduction to the sport. For some, rowing could even lead to college scholarships.
But for now, Polli cherishes the small moments: the hugs, the cheers, the kids who once held back now beaming with pride after a strong showing on the erg. “The hour goes by so fast,” she says, “but the impact lasts.”
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