Debbie Pianko
Although I entered college with the intention to study biology and music, it wasn't long until a coxswain in the cafeteria asked me to walk on to the Rutgers University rowing team. Not long after, I quit my sorority, put down my flute for good, changed my major from biology to economics, had my first experiences with rowing blisters - and never looked back. While an injury as a novice sidelined me at that time, it didn't stop me from picking up an oar again in 2002 with a masters club when I moved to Washington, DC for work. I graduated quickly from the recreational program into a very competitive women's masters sweep program where I rowed - and learned - for many years. In 2011, I stepped away and got married, had a child, recovered from breast cancer, and became a volunteer EMT (in addition to my full time career in technology). However, I realized that I would never be able to replace the rowing-sized hole in my life (and my soul) with anything less. I returned to competitive rowing with a vengeance in 2017 and have never felt more strong, alive and excited for the future. I can row any seat, any boat, any side, any time. There are no people like rowing people. And I couldn't feel more blessed to be part of Endeavor.
When I'm not rowing, you can find me with sailing with my husband and young son, wiping mud off my golden retriever, listening to podcasts in my Jeep Wrangler with the soft-top down, (over)eating pizza and Starbucks, watching documentaries and traveling the world.