Family of late Holy Cross rower Grace Rett speaks out, working to build a gym in her honor

The family of Grace Rett, the star Holy Cross rower who was killed in a car crash in January, remembered her as a funny, competitive and humble person, and now they’re working to build a school gymnasium in her honor.

“It’s an opportunity to turn the unthinkable into something that, you know, she can continue her legacy of inspiring and helping others academically, athletically and in faith,” said Christopher Rett, Grace’s father.

Rett, a sophomore on the Holy Cross women’s rowing team who had just turned 20, was killed in January when a passenger van carrying some of the rowers and their coach was struck by a pickup truck in Vero Beach, Fla.

She had recently set the world record for continuous rowing, clocking in at 62 hours and three seconds, a title she still holds.

Brianne Rett said her sister was “hilarious” and always smiling. She said Grace would purposely miss the highway exit to their family home just to spend more time together, and always told her, “pain is just a mindset.”

Grace Rett was not only a star athlete in rowing, but was also a talented singer and lover of tattoos, Bible study and basketball.

“Everybody talks about her as the best teammate they’ve ever had,” said Christopher Rett.

Grace and Brianne both attended Our Lady of the Valley in Uxbridge and their mother, Mary Jo Rett, is currently a music teacher there.

Grace always wanted the school to have its own gym, a wish that was even left behind in her eighth grade class yearbook. Now, the family is helping to make that dream come true with the help of an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $1 million.

“It would mean everything to us because this school means everything to us and it meant absolutely everything to Grace,” said Mary Jo Rett.

She said, “When everything happened, I mean, the way this community stepped forward for us, literally held us up when we couldn’t stand.”

The Rev. Nick Desimone, pastor of the OLV parish, said, “We celebrate together and we grieve together and we support one another.”

He noted a tattoo Grace had, which was the text of a gospel passage that said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

To begin construction of the Grace Rett Athletic Complex and Education Center, $800,000 is needed. The gym will have a basketball court, bleacher seats, two classrooms, a lobby, concession space, outdoor green spaces and a covered breezeway.

Ed Reynolds, principal of Our Lady of the Valley, said, “I think there is a lot of enthusiasm about this project. I think it’s much needed.”

Despite living through enormous tragedy, the Rett family said Grace’s memory is keeping them motivated to push forward.

“It wouldn’t feel right to give up because she never did,” said Mary Jo.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3iFNaTZ