Rachel Engel began rowing at high school in Victoria, at Caulfield Grammar School. Currently studying 'Communications' at Ohio State University, Engel represented Australia in the Junior Women's Eight in 2013 and the following year was part of the Victorian Youth Eight that won the Interstate Regatta that year. She also represented Ohio in the 2015 NCAA Regatta where her crew was named 2015 NCAA National Champion 1V8. Outside of rowing, Engel has competed at netball at an elite level.