After finishing sixth at NCAAs and fourth at the Eastern Sprints last year, the first varsity heavyweight boat, with Browning as captain, looks to make a strong run at both titles this year. Crew workouts begin in full on the first day of classes.

Throughout her decision-making process, Browning was fortunate to have two supportive coaches in Wheaton and the Radcliffe heavyweight Coach Liz O'Leary.

Although Wheaton is admittedly disappointed that she will not be playing her senior year, he said respects her decision because of her passion for crew.

"He is a great coach, and an even better person," Browning said of Wheaton. "As a coach, he might be sad about the decision, but as a friend, he is happy. That means a great deal to me."

Meanwhile, O'Leary couldn't be happier. She said that, as captain, Browning will be more effective by being with the crew for the whole year. But she was supportive of whatever Browning wanted to pursue, and often attended Browning's home soccer games in the past to cheer her on.

The most difficult part of making her decision known was not telling her coaches. Rather, Browning said having to tell her parents was the hardest thing to do.

Her mother, upon hearing that Browning was considering dropping soccer, said, "Your father will cry."

After Harvard, Browning is planning to continue rowing, perhaps at the Olympic Center in San Diego, to see if rowing, possibly for the U.S. National Team, is something she could pursue. Eventually she would like to teach and coach.