A Ballarat teenager will take command of an all-Victorian squad at this year's Australian Masters Rowing Championships in Perth.
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It was a big thrill for Eyrin McCarthy who has been named at the helm of the Victoria Women's Masters Coxed Eight.
She will keep the state's most experienced rowers in rhythm later this month against some of the best veteran rowers across the country.
Speaking with The Courier following her selection, the 19-year-old could hardly wipe the smile off her face.
"I was in shock for a minute because I was still so young and the team will be so much older than me, but it was great news knowing that all my hard work over the years is finally paying off."
McCarthy will be the youngest member in the crew, which will feature rowers aged between 30 and 50 years.
Although the baby of the group, it was McCarthy's experience that landed her the role after impressing selectors with her leadership skills at trials earlier this year.
It wasn't the first time.
"I was looking on the Rowing Victoria website and saw there were nominations for the women's state team," she said.
"I'm only 19 so I thought I'd give it a shot.
"I then got invited to the trials and I made the second round, and a couple of weeks later I made the state team.
"The selectors liked the type of calls I used, and the way I went about communicating."
A former Loreto College student, McCarthy got her first taste of the sport as an eighth-grader.
After gaining the attention of coaches, she was eventually named cox of the open division-two girls who she led to an undefeated season in her senior year.
Now a member of Ballarat City Rowing Club, she said the sport had enabled her to meet many different people.
"I used to be quite shy as a child and I think doing this has brought me out of my shell a lot," said McCarthy.
Competing against seven other states and territories, McCarthy anticipates the crew will fare well alongside fierce competition at the Masters.
"I think we will do well, she said.
"Queensland and NSW will put up strong crews as well so it will be tight but hopefully we can get across the line first."
Currently training the crew twice a week with work and university commitments, McCarthy said the preparation has been tiring but she has managed it well.
She said her most recent selection was among her greatest ever achievements.
"It's quite up there, all my work is paying off and it is up there with my top accomplishments," she said.
This year's Australian Masters Championships will take place from May 22-25 at the Champion Lakes Regatta in Perth.
It is expected to attract more than 1000 interstate competitors and visitors and will feature over 300 races.
"I can't wait," McCarthy said.