Smooth Waters Ahead for Olympic Rower/Rutgers–Camden Law School Graduate

CAMDEN - Law school requires plenty of hard work, but consider the experience of Renee Hykel, an elite rower who was training for the Olympics even as she was attending law school.

Up before sunrise, Hykel would be out on the water by six, then off to the Rutgers School of Law–Camden to immerse herself in torts and contracts. Then she’d head back out for another training session. In 2008, Hykel competed in the Olympics in Beijing, placing 10th in the women’s lightweight double sculls.

What was it like navigating the disparate worlds of law and competitive rowing? In fact, Hykel sees similarities in the dedication—and sheer hours—required by both.

“There’s no getting around the fact that you have to put in a certain amount of work,” says Hykel, who credits Rutgers for providing the support needed for her to pursue her goals.

One person who especially helped her juggle these demands is Camille Andrews, associate dean for enrollment and special projects at the Rutgers–Camden  law school. "Her excitement about my rowing and understanding of the flexibility required to manage law school and Olympic training paved the way for my success at Rutgers."

Hykel resides in Haverford, Pa.

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