Celebrating Excellence: University of Minnesota Rowing Team Takes Center Stage
MINNEAPOLIS – In a thrilling showcase of talent and dedication, sixteen outstanding members of the University of Minnesota rowing team have proudly earned the prestigious 2025 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award from the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA). Among a remarkable 990 student-athletes across all divisions of collegiate women’s rowing, these Gophers embody the very essence of excellence, balancing athletic prowess with scholarly achievement.
Academic Achievement: A Testament to Dedication
This year’s honorees have dazzled with an astounding average GPA of 3.75, with 55 athletes achieving a flawless 4.0 GPA. These exceptional figures highlight the time management and resilience required to thrive in the competitive arena of collegiate sports while navigating rigorous academic challenges.
Criteria for Recognition: Laying the Groundwork
The CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award isn’t merely about talent on the water; it represents a commitment to academic and athletic excellence. To qualify, nominees must meet the following stringent standards:
Strong Academic Foundations
- Must adhere to all institutional and conference eligibility rules.
- Must be in their 2nd to 5th year of eligibility.
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher through the end of the fall semester.
Athletic Commitments
- Must have competed in at least 75% of the team’s spring races in an NCAA-eligible boat, or
- Must have participated in an NCAA boat at their conference championship.
Voices of Acknowledgment: Rooted in Hard Work
"These scholar-athletes exemplify the discipline and work ethic required to succeed at the highest level," declares Marnie Stahl, Executive Director of the CRCA. “Their achievements reflect the best of collegiate athletics. Huge thanks are due to our dedicated Awards Committee for their tireless efforts this awards season.”
Meet the Scholars: 2025 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award Winners
Join us in applauding the remarkable achievements of the following scholar-athletes:
- Radhika Ajmera – Premajor
- Jaden Deutscher – English
- Manon Field – Cellular and Organismal Physiology
- Josefine Freltoft – Undeclared
- Katy Isackson-Papp – Psychology
- Kat Johanns – Agricultural Communication and Marketing
- Paige Keller – Nutrition
- Kimberly Klassen – Premajor
- Nuala Macfarlane – Business and Marketing Education
- Alexa Mueller – Cellular and Organismal Physiology
- Ashley Ohlemacher – Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
- Sophia Pirigyi – Developmental Psychology
- Martyna Rzeznik – Business and Marketing Education
- Ella Saunders – Biochemistry
- Anna Stephenson – Accounting
- Tallulah Sweet – Nutrition
For the complete list of 2025 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, click HERE.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Gopher Rowers
The University of Minnesota rowing team’s recent accolades serve as a shining example of what the intersection of athletics and academia can achieve. As they continue to embrace challenges in both realms, these scholar-athletes not only elevate their sport but also set a benchmark for future generations of student-athletes. Their success story is one that deserves to be celebrated—and followed closely.
Row on, Gophers!
