Babb Law Office crew achieve a triple crown of their own

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

The Babb Law Office rowing team had great success this year, coming first in their races in three different regattas.

The team was formed in 2019 and consists of women from communities in Conception Bay North, including 21-year-old Brianna Mercer Williams of Upper Island Cove.

Williams’ family has been involved in rowing for generations. She was first exposed to the sport at 10 months old. At age 12, her grandfather, coxswain Lenny Williams, asked her if she wanted to row.

“I said yes, and that’s when I started rowing with most of the girls I row with now,” said Brianna. “So, it was kind of just natural for me to start rowing because it was in my family and my grandfather kind of left me no choice but to row.”

In 2025, the Babb Law Office rowing team won the women’s championship race at the Harbour Grace Regatta for the first time.

“That was a surreal feeling,” said Williams.

This year, the team outdid itself, taking first place in races at the Harbour Grace, Placentia and St. John’s Regattas. The team won the City of St. John’s Labour Trophy at the St. John’s Regatta.

“Each time we’d hear the gun go when we’d finish our race, each time it just amazed and shocked me more every time,” said Williams. “To have the feeling of how far we’ve come since we first started rowing to now. It shows how much dedication we’ve put into our team, and how much we enjoy and love the sport.”

Williams said being part of the Babb Law Office rowing crew is like having a second family.

“I know with my team we’ve always been there for each other,” she said.

Williams’ grandfather passed away last year. His role as coxswain has been taken over by Fred Chafe. To honour the memory of their former coxswain, the team has taken to calling themselves “Lenny’s Girls,” and even wear the title on their racing jerseys.

“It feels amazing, because I know he used to push us to our limits every night in on the pond,” said Williams. “Same with Fred now. They always pushed us to do our absolute best. I just know that my grandfather would be so proud of how much we’ve accomplished this year and last year, and it comforts me in a way, I guess you can say.”

Williams said she feels connected to her grandfather whenever she rows.

“Every time I’m in on the pond or any regatta, any time I’m in the boat, it’s almost like I can feel my pop there with me,” she said.

The Babb Law Office rowing team hopes to have another great showing at the 2027 Regattas, aspiring to better their times from this year.