Across the Pond: Rowing’s Marg Van der Wal
Texas Rowing standout Marg Van der Wal shares how teamwork, discipline, and the support of Longhorn Foundation donors have shaped her journey from the Netherlands to the Forty Acres.
Sydney Swain
5/28/2026
From the Netherlands to Texas
For Marg Van der Wal, rowing started with a casual suggestion from a friend. What began as a new opportunity quickly turned into a passion that would carry her across the world.
“A friend back home suggested I try rowing, and so I did,” Van der Wal said. “I love the places that rowing can take you. The challenge of improving myself really gets the best out of me.”
Growing up in the Netherlands, Van der Wal developed into one of the country’s top young rowers. She competed for the Netherlands Junior National Team in 2020-2021 before being chosen for the Netherlands U23 National Team. When it came time to choose a collegiate program, Texas stood out immediately.
“The more I looked into it, the more I realized how incredible the program is. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be here because I don't think there's an academic or athletic program comparable to The University of Texas.”
That championship culture, made possible through the support of Longhorn Foundation donors, helped make the Forty Acres the perfect fit.
I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be here because I don't think there's an academic or athletic program comparable to The University of Texas.Marg Van der Wal
Balancing Chemistry and Competition
Having just graduated as a Chemistry major and back-to-back SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Van der Wal has developed the discipline and consistency needed to succeed in both academics and athletics at the highest level.
“Being discipline comes down to structure and consistency, and that’s something I’ve learned in rowing,” Marg said. “We are taught to stay very disciplined even when we are tired.”
That same mindset has helped her navigate the demands of one of Texas’ most rigorous academic programs while competing for national championships.
At the same time, Van der Wal says her chemistry coursework strengthened her approach as an athlete.
“Chemistry and research teach you patience and problem-solving,” she explained. “Even when something does not work, you have to figure out a different way to make it work.”
Balancing training, travel, classes, and labs requires intentional time management and resilience—skills that continue to shape her both personally and professionally.
Van der Wal also credits the strong support system at Texas, including academic staff, coaches, teammates and Longhorn Foundation donors for helping student-athletes thrive in every aspect of their experience.
“It’s been an absolute honor to receive this award [Scholar-Athlete of the Year] from the SEC, and it definitely is a testament to the support we have at UT."
Because of Longhorn Foundation donors, Texas student-athletes like Van der Wal are empowered to pursue excellence both in competition and in the classroom.
The Ultimate Team Sport
In rowing, success depends on teamwork, trust and, collective focus, lessons Marg has embraced throughout her career on the Forty Acres.
“I think rowing is a sport where the winner is the team that has the most focus on what they are doing. It takes physical and technical ability, but on top of that is mental toughness. Every movement must be synchronized in order to maximize speed and efficiency over a 2,000-meter race."
Van der Wal competes in the four-seat position, a role centered around power and rhythm within the middle of the boat. “In my opinion, it's the ultimate team sport. We fully rely on each other, and if one person is not quite on it, that affects all of us. If I’m not giving 100 percent, that affects the rest of the boat as well.”
That level of synchronization and trust is what makes Texas Rowing special. Success is built not only on talent, but also on every student-athlete fully investing in one another.
“When we all buy in, the end result reflects how invested we are as a team.”
Support Beyond the Boat
As Van der Wal approaches the final races of her collegiate career at the NCAA Championships, she says the bond shared within Texas Rowing is what she will miss most.
“What makes us fast is that we all rely on each other so much, support each other, and build each other up. The team aspect we have hear is incredibly strong, and I’m so appreciative of the Longhorn Foundation donors who help make that experience possible for student-athletes like me.”
Looking back on her time on the Forty Acres, Van Der Wal expressed gratitude for the people who helped make her experience—consisting of a 2024 National Championship, multiple conference championships, and several career accolades—possible.
“I would like to give a huge thank you to the Longhorn Foundation because I know none of this would be possible without them,” Van der Wal said. “The success of Texas Athletics across all sports is because of their help and support.”
