Duxbury High School (DHS) and University of Massachusetts graduate Ali Dimatteo is a veteran of the girls’ rowing team and longtime instructor at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School (DBMS). Having recently returned to town as the new head coach of the varsity girls’ rowing team, Dimatteo is happy to be back and shared a bit with us about her love of the sport.

How did you get into rowing?

I started in sixth grade over the summer at DBMS with some friends and was hooked!

What was your experience like as a member of the DHS rowing team?

It was wonderful. It was so much smaller then. I am happy to see competitive rowing has grown in popularity here at DBMS.

What do you think the DBMS has brought to the town?

In other towns, group fitness can be anything from yoga to spin class. DBMS has brought to ours unique opportunities in education and fitness. Anyone at any age can find something to better their minds and bodies.

What was your favorite part about instructing during the summer at DBMS?

Working with first timers to the sport. It is the best job ever. I get to teach what I love and work with amazing people. And all of it is done in the sun and on the water.

How was your experience as a Division I rower at college?

Too short. So incredibly hard but I would not trade a moment of training, sleep lost, getting drilled by my coach or tending to blistered hands for anything.

Did you ever feel it was difficult to balance schoolwork, friends and your commitment to the team?

At first, yes, but if you talk to any collegiate athlete, they will tell you that their sport gave them structure over anything. I had to become an expert of time management.

Did you think you’d continue rowing after graduating from college?

In college, my coach Jim Dietz taught me that rowing is really more of a lifetime sport. Because he taught all of his gals to row in small sculling boats (singles and doubles, each rower has two oars), some of us went and bought our own singles and will continue to race and row for years to come.

How does it feel to be back in Duxbury as the new girls’ rowing coach?

I’m thrilled. I love this program. It has given so much to me over the years. I know the girls here are ready to take their rowing and training to the next level and I’m excited to be a part of that.

Did you ever hope to be back in Duxbury after college?

Part of me did. I have the opportunity to share my love for the sport with others, work at the club where I started my rowing career and help anyone take their rowing to whatever level they want to.

How would you describe the sport to someone who knows nothing about it?

It is a sport of efficiency with an overlapping combination of power, endurance and technique. It can be practiced indoors and on the water; it can be a team sport or an individual sport; it can be your hobby; it can be your livelihood.

What feelings do you get when you are out on the water?

Freedom! It’s an extraordinary way to exercise. The workouts are pretty challenging, but when you’re getting burnt out, you can stop and look around and say to yourself, “Wow, it’s so peaceful out here.” It’s a wonderful balance of tranquility and chaos for your mind and body.

What lessons do you hope to teach the girls on the DHS team?

It’s as simple as my coach told, or yelled at me, “You’ve got to pay the piper.” It’s crucial to envision success and have goals for yourself, but that is only the first step. You need to put in the work. I hope to add to the drive these young women have to be successful in rowing, and in life.

How will your rowers describe you as a coach?

Hard maybe? I am asking a lot of them physically and mentally, but it all has a purpose.

When does practice begin?

March 9 was when captain’s practice begins, tryouts will be the following week, and we are on the water March 26.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from rowing?

Another quote from my college coach, Jim Dietz, can answer this question: “Rowing is a sport for dreamers. As long as you put in the work, you can own the dream. When the work stops, the dream disappears.” Bottom line, work hard for what you want in life.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love to sing. My brother and I both do actually. And I love to play guitar, but my brother is much better than I am. I also run, ski, cycle and cook.

When you’re not on the water where can we find you?

At this point, running. I am doing the Boston Marathon this year for the first time ever. I’m pretty nervous to run the 26.2-mile haul.