South Australian rower Sophie Barr accepted in to Harvard University to compete in varsity team

A star South Aussie rower has capped off her rise to the top by being accepted in to one of the world’s most renowned schools and varsity teams.

A prestigious American university will be the new home of talented 18-year-old rower Sophie Barr in 2022.

The St Peter’s Girls’ School alumni has been in the best form of her five-year career, recently winning the Under 19 women’s single at the South Australian championships and representing the state at nationals as part of SA’s open eights.

Barr was accepted by Harvard to study law and psychology and to compete in its varsity rowing team after meeting a number of academic and athletic benchmarks – a dream come true for the rising star.

St Peters' Girls' rowing star Sophie Barr (right) with teammate Clare Romaniuk. Barr will attend Harvard from this September and compete in the college’s varsity team. Picture: Supplied

“It has been a dream of mine to attend Harvard but it only became realistic to me when I started to gain momentum in rowing,” Barr said.

“I initially started talking to coaches at Harvard a couple years ago.

“The recruiting process was hard work, especially due to Covid travel restrictions and also with it being during Year 12 but it has definitely paid off.”

Barr – who started rowing in Year 7 – has experienced a fast trajectory in her development.

She quickly solidified her spot in St Peter’s Girls’ team and individual events and has also been one of the top performers at the South Australian Sports Institute under the watchful eye of veteran coach Jason Lane.

Barr has had endless achievements over the last year and will now add being part of Harvard College’s varsity team to that list. Picture: Supplied, St Peter's Girls' School

Barr credited the experience gained from her school and sporting programs for her recent achievements.

“The support of both my family as well as all my teachers at Saints has definitely helped me get to this point,” she said.

“SASI has also played a massive part in helping me develop as an athlete and provide me with countless opportunities.”

SASI coach Jason Lane training the Australian women’s squad ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. The experienced coach has helped to develop Barr into a top Australian talent. Picture: File

Barr said she was excited leading in to the upcoming academic year in America.

She also had hopes of achieving at a high level at Harvard and going on to do bigger and better things for her home country.

“I’ve always been interested in studying overseas and I’m looking forward to the experience,” Barr said.

“I’m going to put my best foot forward and hopefully eventually make an Australian rowing team as well.

“The prospect of one day representing my country on the world stage is something which is extremely exciting.”

Barr will begin her Harvard journey on September 1.