Rowing is a sport where Black athletes are still underrepresented, but Amari Randall is determined to change that. Now a standout rower at the University of Delaware (UD), Randall not only competes at a high level but also advocates for more inclusion and visibility for Black women in the sport.
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Randall began her athletic journey as a swimmer before walking on to the Clemson University rowing team. After gaining experience and earning academic honors there, she transferred to Delaware in 2024, a move that allowed her to pursue both her civil engineering studies and a rowing career that’s breaking new ground. At UD, she quickly made her mark, helping the Varsity 8+ secure one of the best finishes in program history at the CAA Championships.
Building BRAID: Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity
Beyond competition, Randall is co-founder of BRAID (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity), an initiative she launched with Joy Neal. BRAID is dedicated to creating a safe and empowering community for Black girls in rowing, athletes who often feel isolated in a sport where diversity has historically been lacking. The organization focuses on mentorship, representation, and amplifying the voices of Black rowers so they can feel seen and celebrated.
For Randall, BRAID is not just about advocacy, it’s about shaping the future of the sport: “We wanted to build the space we wished we had when we first started. Rowing should be a place where everyone feels like they belong.”
A Journey of Growth and Leadership
Randall’s path, former swimmer, walk-on rower at Clemson, and now a leader at Delaware, demonstrates resilience and vision. She continues to compete at a high level while also focusing on her civil engineering degree, with aspirations to design housing that addresses inequities in underserved communities.
Her leadership in both rowing and advocacy underscores a broader mission: to inspire others, especially young Black athletes, to enter spaces where they may not always see themselves represented.
The Future
As she continues her career at Delaware, Randall embodies the dual role of athlete and change-maker. On the water, she pushes her team to new achievements. Off the water, she builds platforms like BRAID that will outlast her college career and impact the next generation.
Amari Randall is not just a rower, she’s a trailblazer redefining what it means to be Black in rowing at the University of Delaware.
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