Atomic Rowing

Senior Spotlight: Ruby Hill

Last but not least, our senior Team Captain Ruby Hill! Ruby had been rowing for five and a half years, and although she left Atomic for a little bit, it’s like she was never gone. Beyond being an accomplished rower and Row2k bestie, Ruby is the consummate team player. She always works with the team’s best interest in mind, putting others and the team above herself. Ruby goes out of her way to know the names of every rower on both squads and forms genuine relationships with each of them. She is always encouraging and supporting everyone around her, not only with her words, but through her actions. Ruby is compassionate, hard-working, and dedicated. Her mental fortitude, calm determination, and resilience are evident in the way she approaches everything. Ruby is a true role-model on and off the water and she has left a great legacy at Atomic.

What’s the best thing about Atomic?
The best thing about Atomic are the people and connections I’ve made while here. I have made lifelong friendships and relationships through boatings, difficult workouts, racing, and new kids on the team.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
Probably setting the Atomic record for Youth Nationals ranking in 2025 in the WY4- with Maci, Evelyn, and Maurica! Having recently come back to Atomic and working hard to improve myself and mesh with the team, then making it our “pink” season, and ultimately placing 4th in the nation!

Words of wisdom for the younger rowers:
1. Never stop having fun- take away the stress of placement and scores and results and make rowing something you enjoy. If you enjoy it, you’ll end up doing it for longer and see the results and progress you want.
2. Don’t be afraid to take chances! Try something new, whether it’s a lineup, race strategy, erg piece or strategy, or even a new hobby. Rowing can’t be the only thing you have in your life, so branch out and be well-rounded!

Ruby is off to row for the University of Oklahoma Oklahoma Rowing in the fall which means we’ll get to see her back at Melton Lake!! We’re so proud of you Ruby and you’ll be greatly missed ❤️💛

Senior Spotlight: Gus Christian

Gus has rowed with Atomic for a little over four years and has the enviable ability to make any boat that he is in faster. His teammates recognize him for his friendliness; he is always laughing, smiling, joking, or just bringing them joy. He never fails to bring a smile to people’s faces and brighten people’s days. He never has a bad word to say about others and is always a supportive presence for everyone on the team.

What is the best thing about Atomic?
The best thing about Atomic are the people there.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
My favorite memory is my entire time racing in the U16 8 my first year. None of us thought that boat was going to do well, but all of a sudden we got second at dogwood and ended up taking it to nationals. That eight taught me how fun rowing could be.

Words of wisdom for the younger rowers:
It’s good to have goals, but don’t always be focused on the future. Sometimes it’s good to stop and appreciate where you are at because at some point you won’t have it anymore.

Gus is headed to the University of Central Florida in the fall. Congratulations Gus, we’re so proud of you!!

Senior Spotlight: Charles Rogers

To say that Charles has left a legacy over his five years at Atomic would be an understatement. Charles is one of the most admired members on the team and his hard-work and talent serves as inspiration to the younger rowers. Charles does everything with his own flair: he never misses a chance to show what he’s capable of, or do something impressive, and his winning attitude is second to none. Charles never misses a moment for a well-timed joke or a chance to play his kazoo.

What is your favorite thing about Atomic?
The food at the regattas, and people willing to erg with you.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
Going to Nationals in the U17 quad and getting first place at Regionals narrowly out sprinting Belen Jesuit in Gainesville, Georgia.

Words of wisdom for the younger rowers:
Take challenges one step or stroke at a time.

Charles will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the fall to study biomedical engineering. We’re certain Charles will leave his mark wherever he is, but he will definitely be missed around our boathouse. We know you’ll do great things Charles!

Senior Spotlight: Drew Rodabaugh

Drew has been with Atomic for five years and has quietly made himself a pillar of the team. Drew is hard-working and humble: he shows up early and stays late and does the dirty work that no one else wants to do with no complaints. He is the first to start on the trailer and the first to make sure newer athletes know how to load and work the trailer. He leads by example and is incredibly supportive of his teammates on and off the water, especially in the weight room where he’ll be the first to cheer them on. His humility and dedication are an embodiment of what his teammates aspire to be and his quiet leadership will be greatly missed.

What’s the best thing about Atomic?
The best thing about Atomic is the supportive coaching staff and the venue.

What’s your favorite Atomic memory?
My favorite atomic memory was sprinting past a Belen Jesuit boat in the last 100 meters to take first place at Southeastern Regionals my freshman year.

Words of wisdom for the younger rowers:
When derigging boats for the trailer don’t wrench tighten the hardware back onto the boats just leave them finger tight. (We second that advice Drew!)

Drew will be headed to Middle Tennessee State University in the fall where he plans on majoring in Professional Flight. Good luck Drew!! We’ll look for you in the skies!

Last night we celebrated our 2025-2026 season, our seniors, coaches, and rowers; but it was more than that, it was a celebration of our friendships and the spirit that makes our Atomic family what it is.

The coaches provided an overview of the year for all three squads: Dev, Varsity, and Masters. Coach J.R. presented awards to the Dev rowers: congratulations to Natalie Shanafield, Gianna Kreider, Michael Kreider, Josh, Veronica Shehata, and John “Speedracer” Szluha on your awards. We can’t wait to watch you guys grow!

As is Atomic tradition, the seniors gave speeches and presented gifts to the younger rowers and coaches, including a uni, originally belonging to former Atomic rower and now Coach David Dunn, that has been handed down through several generations of rowers; some bedroom decor; and lots of meat themed gifts for Coach Scott Charette. Congratulations to our seniors Drew Rodabaugh, Charles Rogers, Milla Frazier, Gus Christian, Ruby Hill, and Marcus Sellers. You’ve left a great legacy and we will miss you!

A huge thank you to the Boosters and Banquet committee for such an amazing celebration 💛❤️💛. Even cooler, everything was sourced from local Oak Ridge businesses! Thank you to El Jinete Mexican Restaurants , 865 EVENTS , and Kim for your support!

Senior Spotlight: Milla Frazier

Milla has been with Atomic for 4 years and has made her mark as a coxswain. Milla will attend Michigan State University in the fall and plans on majoring in microbiology. After college she plans on obtaining a Master’s degree and ultimately, working as a virologist. Milla will continue coxing while at MSU for their women’s program.

Milla is so passionate and commits 110%. She is always happy to go on a side quest or drive somebody home, even if it’s inconvenient to her. She is always there when you need someone to talk to, need advice, or just need someone to listen to you when you need it.

What is the best thing about Atomic?
The way you could have the worst day or practice of your life and somehow someone would still find a way to make you smile even if they didnt mean to.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
Nationals 2024 with the Mens U17 4+ in our finals race. We had our original B final in the morning and we were lane 2 out of 8. Everything was moving well, we started off strong, our timing and rythm was great, and then a little before the 1k, St. Andrew’s in lane 0 had their steering cable snap and their boat ran into lane 1 and missed ours by a hair. The guys were screaming at me about the boat 3ft from ramming into us, but I didnt even know what they were yelling about until we had crossed the finish line and one of them turned around to ask me, “Didn’t you hear us screaming at you about that boat?!” I in fact did not! We came in third in that final, right behind Tampa. Due to the equipment malfunction that interfered with another boat, we had a re-race at the end of the day. We finished that re-race in 2nd, beating Tampa by nearly 4 seconds, behind first by 1 second, and placing 10th overall in Nats.

Words of wisdom for younger rowers/coxswains:
Don’t try to make rowing an individual sport, let yourself be a part of a team and let that team guide you and make you a better version of yourself in rowing and outside of it. You can’t row an 8 with only 1 person.

We can’t wait to see you do great things Milla!! 💛❤️

Senior Spotlight: Marcus Sellers

Marcus graduated from Oak Ridge High School and has enlisted in the Army Reserves, as well as attending Carson-Newman University. Marcus has rowed for 3.5 years and has been a quiet leader on the team.

Marcus is kind and reassuring. He constantly works to meet individuals where there at and build them up for the team. If anyone needs help or has to have a hard conversation, Marcus is always the first to volunteer to help out. Not only that, but he notices things before most people do and makes sure that everything is always taken care of. He never hesitates to reach out to people when they need help, even if they aren’t sure themselves that they do need help. Marcus is always finding new ways to bring joy to people’s lives and always finds the good in people. He uses his compassion and honesty for the good of the team always, and works hard every day to be the best version of himself.

What is the best thing about Atomic?
I believe the best thing about Atomic is the team atmosphere and the friendships that come from working together toward common goals.

What is your favorite Atomic memory?
I think my favorite Atomic memory was when a crab was caught in our u16 coxed quad at 2023 dogwood and the boat behind us almost caught up but we recovered and went faster then we ever thought we could’ve. We medaled, it was an awesome comeback.

Words of wisdom for younger rowers:
Don’t worry about others successes and how good others are but listen to advice, take criticism, and strive to be better then yourself yesterday.

We’re so proud of you Marcus and know you will do great things and have a positive impact on those around you!

5th place in the nation for the Women’s Youth 2x.
13th place in the nation for the Women’s U16 4x+.

Congratulations to both our 2026 Youth Nationals boats on an amazing regatta! Year after year, we’re so proud of how our athletes show up on a national stage, and this year was no exception. They demonstrated tenacity, determination, resilience, composure, sportsmanship, and just all around awesomeness.

Congratulations Ruby, Ellah, Emmett, Charlotte, Ava, Fisher, and Clara on your amazing accomplishments!!

☢️ FINALS ☢️

Last one, fast one for Ellah and Ruby! Women’s Youth 2x Finals this morning at 8:15am.

GO ATOMIC!

Results: https://usrowing.regatta.time-team.com/usrowing-youth-national/2026