Finding Her Coxing Voice: Jonna De Vries
Few coxes can point to a moment where a single phone call changed everything, but that is exactly what happened to Jonna De Vries in 2024. After a five-year break from the sport, a spontaneous return to racing at the Heineken Roeivierkamp was all it took. The very next day, the call came: would she come back to steer the Dutch Eight? She would go on to guide them to the first-ever Men's Eight gold medal in the history of the Netherlands at the 2025 World Championships.
Now one of the most decorated coxes in Dutch rowing history, Jonna shares how she found her coxing voice.
How did you first get into coxing?
When I started university, I knew joining a sports club was the best way to meet people in a new city. During the intro week, I signed up with Orca, the student rowing club. At Orca, there's this tradition where second-year rowers coach the freshmen. We found a group of guys willing to coach us, but in return, we had to cox for them whenever they wanted to go out on the water. I started doing it pretty often and realised I really enjoyed it.
What really kept you involved in the very beginning, and how has that evolved over the years?
Right from the start at Orca, I didn't just stick to rowing and coxing-I threw myself into all sorts of club activities. I helped run the bar, organised events like intro week and the winter gala, and even got school kids out on the water. I probably spent more time at the club than in my actual classes! At first, I never planned on coxing competitively, but in 2010, the Freshmen's heavyweight eight didn't have a cox, so I offered to fill in for a bit. That “bit” turned into the whole season, and I never really left. For the next couple of years, I raced in the Lightweight Freshmen's eight. In 2012, we became the first men's crew from Orca to win the overall cup, and we're still the only ones who have done it. Racing all season really got me hooked. I've always loved being in a competitive environment, and that's shaped who I am, both in rowing and at work.
What was your first club like, and how important were they to your growth?
My first club was A.U.S.R. Orca in Utrecht. What I loved most about Orca was how welcoming it was-it was a place where you could really be yourself, learn, and grow. It wasn't super professional back then (most student clubs weren't), but it gave me all the chances I needed. At the time, we had the best women's squad in the country, and coxing Olympic, world, and U23 rowers at our home club was a huge learning experience for me.
How would you define your coxing style?
My style has definitely changed over the years. When I started out, I was pretty loud and mostly focused on motivating the crew. These days, I'm a lot calmer and quieter, letting the rowers make adjustments and giving feedback when needed. I always try to learn from the people I row and work with.
In your opinion, what is the most important attribute a successful coxswain must imbue?
I think being aware and process-driven is key, both in training and racing. You need to know what's happening in the boat and around you, make the right calls to help the crew improve, and keep everyone safe. During races, it's easy to get caught up in the moment, but staying focused on the process instead of just the result really makes a difference.
What has been your favourite coxing memory?
There are so many great memories, but two stand out. The first is the 2025 World Championships Final, where we made history by winning the first-ever gold medal in the Men's Eight for the Netherlands. The other is the Heineken Roeivierkamp in 2024, which I did just for fun after a five-year break. The day after that race, I got the call to come back and cox the Dutch Eight for the rest of the season.
What was the most significant learning curve during your coxing journey, and how did you tackle it?
From 2013 to 2016, I regularly coxed in the UK at Tideway Scullers School and University of London Boat Club, mainly to get better (and have some fun too). Coxing in English on tidal water, with different crews and coaches, was a real challenge. I had to just jump in and go for it, even though it was stressful and uncomfortable at times. But I knew that staying in my comfort zone wouldn't help me grow. I'd rather be uncomfortable and keep improving than get stuck in a rut.
What is the one bit of advice you'd give to a new cox trying to find his or her voice?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes-you'll learn a lot from them. Stay humble and curious, ask questions, and find your own style. Copying what other coxes do won't really help you get better in the long run.
How crucial is high-quality equipment (like NK) to set you up for success?
Good equipment is super important. When I started, my cox box didn't even have a screen-just a microphone. The technology has come a long way since then. Having access to things like speed, rate, distance, and time helps me do my job better and communicate more clearly with the crew.
