Washington Women’s Rowing Team Shines at the 2025 NCAA Championships: A Remarkable Fourth Place Finish
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. – The stage was set, and the stakes were high as the Washington women’s rowing team competed fiercely at the 2025 NCAA Rowing Championships on the picturesque Mercer Lake. In a thrilling showcase of athleticism and teamwork, the Huskies secured an impressive fourth place overall, clinching silver medals in both the second eights and fours, while finishing fifth in the first eights.
The Championship Battle
Despite their valiant efforts, the No. 1-ranked Stanford team emerged victorious, claiming their second championship title in three years. The unexpected highlight of the championship was the seventh-seeded Yale, which stunned the crowd by clinching the victory in the first eights grand final.
Washington’s consistent performance marked their tenth consecutive top-five finish at the NCAA Championships. Remarkably, the Huskies have not slipped outside the top-10 in all 28 consecutive NCAA appearances since the regatta’s inception in 1997.
A Race Against Time
Heading into the first eights final, Washington knew they had to outpace Stanford to secure the team title. However, Yale quickly dominated the race, taking an early lead and skillfully fending off challenges from defending champions Texas and top-ranked Stanford.
With their crew positioned in an outside lane, Washington fought hard against Tennessee to secure a favorable position but ultimately finished fifth, crossing the line 1.6 seconds behind the Volunteers and 6.4 seconds behind Yale, which set a new NCAA record with a time of 6:06.138. This shattered Washington’s previous record from 2019.
Silver Linings in the Fours and Second Eights
Earlier in the day, the Huskies showcased their strength by taking silver in both the fours and second eights finals. In the fours race, Washington seized an early lead, commanding the race at the 500- and 1,000-meter marks. As the race progressed, Stanford edged ahead, finishing in 6:56.532, just over two seconds ahead of Washington’s time of 6:58.598.
In the fiercely contested second eights finals, Stanford once again set the pace, while Washington navigated their way from fourth place at the 500-meter mark to an impressive second position by the end, finishing just under two seconds behind Stanford’s winning time of 6:13.075.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Huskies’ remarkable journey this season reinforces their strong legacy in NCAA rowing:
- Top Five Finishes: 10 consecutive years in the top five.
- Historically Strong Performances: No finishes outside the top-10 in 28 years.
- Record Achievements: Previous NCAA records set by Washington stand as testaments to their prowess.
UW’s Lineups: Meet the Athletes
Varsity Eight Lineup
- Cox: Isabel Michaelson (Mukilteo, WA)
- Stroke: Megan Lee (Natick, MA)
- … (and so on for the rest of the lineup)
Second Varsity Eight Lineup
- Cox: Grace Murdock (Roswell, GA)
- Stroke: Ava Meuleman (Seattle, WA)
- … (and so on for the rest of the lineup)
Varsity Four Lineup
- Cox: Camille Randall (Seattle, WA)
- Stroke: Paris Burbine (Alpharetta, GA)
- … (and so on for the rest of the lineup)
Reflecting on the Past and Eyes on the Future
The University of Washington continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse in collegiate rowing, with a history that boasts five NCAA Team Championships and numerous individual accolades. The Huskies’ tenacity and commitment promise an exciting future as they prepare for next season’s challenges.
For more on the Huskies and their journey in collegiate rowing, visit the UW Women’s Rowing website.
In conclusion, while the team’s ultimate goal may have slipped just out of reach this year, the Washington women’s rowing squad has once again demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a fierce competitive spirit—values that will undoubtedly propel them forward in future championships.
Stay tuned for more updates on Washington’s rowing journey as they aim to reclaim glory in the coming season!
