No speeches, no spotlight—just the next step. Senior Grayson Ward signed with Holy Cross on Wednesday, continuing his rowing journey built one stroke at a time.
As Covid ended and Ward started seventh grade, he and a friend joined The OKC Juniors Men’s Rowing Team.
“I’ve dedicated the past six years to rowing, and it’s helped me make some of my best friends in life,” Ward said.
The summer before junior year, Ward started the recruiting process: emailing college coaches and completing recruiting questionnaires.
“I had phone calls and then sent in numbers that were important to them,” Ward said. “Then as phone calls developed, I met with coaches at races. I had a really good experience with the Holy Cross coach, and that’s what led me to choosing them.”
Team culture is one of the most important aspects of a competitive rowing team. An average crew trains six days a week and devotes additional time off the water.
“I go to practice from three to seven Monday through Friday, and then on Saturday, I get there at 8:30 and leave at 11.”
There to support Ward at Wednesday’s signing were his parents, grandparents, coaching staff and friends.
“I felt very loved and supported,” Ward said. “It’s such a big part of my life that was fully supported by all of them, and I wouldn’t have continued without the good friends I made along the way.”
CORRECTION
March 9, 2026
An earlier version of this story mistakenly said Grayson Ward had signed with Holy Trinity. Ward has signed to row at Holy Cross.
