From NCAA Glory to the World Stage: Mia Levy’s Path to the 2025 World Championships

Mia Levy has had an exceptional year. This spring, she helped Yale capture its first NCAA Championship in the varsity eight since 2010, and later this month, she’ll race in the eight for the U.S in China. Levy’s national team journey began in high school, when she earned her first U19 World Championship medal in the eight in 2021. Since then, she has continued to shine for both Yale and the U.S., securing an NCAA title in the second varsity eight and striking gold with the eight at the 2023 U23 World Championships.

For Levy, life is currently defined by rowing and recovery. “A typical day includes two or three training sessions, four meals, and usually a nap,” she explained. “As we approach racing, I’ve been doing everything I can to recover mentally and physically between sessions. For me, that means calling my loved ones, going to PT regularly, and reading outside in the shade.”

That focus and balance didn’t come easily. The road to making the national team has demanded resilience, especially when training pushes to its hardest limits. During those weeks, Levy leans on visualization. “I imagine future me answering interview questions after winning a World Championship. How would this future version of myself answer questions like, ‘What did it take to get here?’ or ‘What did you do differently to achieve this result?’ And whatever answers future me gives, I commit to making them come true now.”

But competition brings more than just pressure—it brings purpose. Representing the United States on the world stage carries deep meaning for Mia Levy. “To me, representing my country means bringing visibility to my community. When I put on my USA uni, I am proud to represent queer and trans athletes of all ages all over the country who deserve to be welcomed and empowered in their sports. No one should be denied the opportunity to experience the joys and lessons of athletics because of their gender identity.”

That sense of pride and responsibility has been shaped by years of experience, including standout moments on the U19 and U23 national teams. With the guidance of coaches like Will Porter, Mike Wallin, and Sarah Trowbridge, Levy not only honed their technical skill but also discovered the friendships and lessons that fueled their decision to pursue rowing at the senior level.

More recently, Levy helped lead Yale to an NCAA title in the women’s eight, a victory built on trust and perseverance. “It’s an experience I will never forget. We built deep trust through dedication, grit, and accountability all year, and it was truly a gift to see it pay off in such a big way. The lessons I learned from my teammates and coaches at Yale Women’s Crew shape who I am now both as an athlete and a person.”

Of course, no journey happens alone. Levy is quick to credit their biggest supporters, especially her parents, for their constant belief and encouragement.

When asked what advice they would offer the next generation of rowers dreaming of wearing the red, white, and blue, her answer is simple yet profound: “You don’t have to love it every day, but if you can find at least a little bit of fun in every practice, it will take you so far.”