Identical twin sisters Olivia and Alexandra Palmberg recently signed with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but their commitment journey sets them apart from many college athletes. 

Upon joining the Wisconsin Women’s Lightweight Rowing program–”wisco lights”–they became LFHS’ first-ever lightweight rowers–those under 130 lbs–reaching a new milestone in athletic and academic excellence for LFHS.  

When news of another student-athlete’s commitment to further their athletic and academic career in college is announced, talk is typically of their dedication, hard work, and perseverance. 

However, many students and staff members are unfamiliar with the unique requirements and sacrifices that rowers wishing to continue their career at the next-level must make.

Many of LFHS’ collegiate-level athletes have played their sport from a young age, but the Palmbergs started rowing much later–as sophomores. 

Not only did the Palmbergs begin four seasons after many of their teammates, but as rowers for the Chicago Rowing Foundation, they make a two-hour long commute into the city for practice six days a week. 

Their first season on the water, in the spring, they were on the U17 boat, which qualified for Nationals after ranking within the top four boats of their category at the Midwest Championship. After completing their novice year–novices are rowers with less than one year of experience–they moved up to varsity as juniors. 

Soon after, Chicago Rowing Foundation Head Coach Mike Wallin says they got the hang of rowing’s technical lessons and are now in the program’s top two boats. 

“Coordinated and explosive athletes are able to pick up the athleticism [required for] rowing well. Their determination and willingness to put in the work necessary to perfect their craft are the two things that stand out to me,” Wallin said. 

Wallin also explained that their time as cross country and track runners contributed to their ability to excel as rowers. 

Interestingly, the Palmbergs’ introduction to rowing was on an ergometer–rowing machine–for running cross training. However, after loving it, they were encouraged to try the spring season, where everyone rows on the water. 

“After the spring season, I knew this was the sport I wanted to pursue. I’m really excited to continue rowing in college to see how much I can improve,” Alexandra Palmberg said.

“I was really proud and happy for them. It’s always a great feeling to see kids come here, doing a sport they’ve never played before, working really hard, improving, and getting the results they deserve on the racecourse,” Wallin said. “[They also got] the results they were looking for academically, which is to attend a great institution and be scholar athletes.”

Despite the long and difficult recruiting process, the twins chose Madison because “of the great culture and drive surrounding the team.”

“Right when I got on campus, I instantly fell in love with the school. I liked that it was close to home, yet still far enough away. When I met the team and the coaches, I really connected with them,” Olivia Palmberg said. 

On and off the water, Coxswain Lucy Herrick, responsible for steering the boat and directing the rowers’ power and rhythm, has become very close with Olivia and Alexandra, and is looking forward to cheering them on at Wisconsin. 

“As a coxswain, the thing that I value most is the trust I have in my rowers, and I have the most trust in the twins,” Herrick said. “As teammates, they cultivate an environment where everyone around them can grow in. Olivia leads with kindness and uplifts everyone with her warmth. Alexandra is driven and pushes everyone towards greatness. I owe so much of who I am today to my friendship with them, and I hope there will never be a day that they are not in my life.”