RACING, COACHING, AND FAMILY: A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR FOR BECKY NEEDHAM
and raise the intensity and really get them moving. Whether from one seat or steering, she made a big impact.” Her excitement and commitment helped these new paddlers grow not just in skill, but in confidence and team spirit, creating an environment where everyone felt encouraged to push themselves and support one another. “That kind of energy, support, and genuine care is exactly what you need from a coach,” new paddler Haley Poppinga says, “especially when it’s your first race and your first time paddling.” “Becky took the time to help each of us on an individual level, which made a huge difference for the whole team,” Miranda says. “She noticed where we could improve, gave clear guidance, and always knew how to motivate us in the boat. Because she invested in each paddler, we came together stronger as a team.”
Needham’s love for the sport, and the joy she finds in coaching, makes it easy to juggle her full schedule. Between the one- man training—her true passion where she finds the most happiness—coaching, and spending time with her husband and daughter Emily, she somehow manages to make room for everything she loves while maintaining her cheerful, playful spirit. “There was lots to sacrifice, but every single time it paid off. It was always worth it,” she explains. “It’s a huge time commit- ment, but it’s so rewarding. They’re like my family, and this is my second home.” For the Needham family, paddling has become more than a sport—it’s a shared passion, a way to be together and enjoy the water. Whether at practice for the men, women, or girls, or during Novice B training, the Needhams spent nearly every night of the summer on the water. At age
All smiles at the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai — Needham celebrates a successful channel crossing.
16 AMA | November/december 2025
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