Virginia Rowing: Cavaliers Shine at 2025 ACC Championship
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – In a thrilling showdown at the 2025 ACC Rowing Championship held on Lake Hartwell in Clemson, S.C., the No. 13 Virginia Cavaliers put forth an impressive effort, finishing second overall in this prestigious competition on Saturday, May 17. With two remarkable second-place finishes in both the Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight, UVA showcased its prowess on the water.
Championship Highlights
Virginia’s performance was stellar across multiple categories:
- Varsity Eight: Second place with a time of 6:08.200
- Second Varsity Eight: Second place at 6:14.900
- Second Varsity Four: Fourth place
- Third Varsity Eight: Fifth place
- Varsity Four: Seventh place
The Competitive Landscape
The championship saw No. 1 Stanford clinch their first ever ACC Championship with an outstanding 132 points. Virginia followed closely behind with 106 points, edging out Syracuse, which garnered 104 points. The final standings highlighted the competitiveness of the league, with California, Duke, North Carolina, and others vying for top positions.
Stanford’s dominance was particularly evident in the Varsity Eight race, where they set an ACC record with a blistering time of 5:58.627. The Cavaliers fought valiantly, securing their place with a commendable second-place finish. California finished just behind UVA in third place, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the event.
Race Highlights
Varsity Eight Showdown
Virginia’s impressive run in the Varsity Eight showcased its strength, combining skill and speed to finish well above four other competitors. Their time of 6:08.200 highlighted not just their athleticism but also their strategic prowess on the water.
Second Varsity Eight Performance
The Second Varsity Eight executed a phenomenal race, with a strong finish just shy of Stanford, clocking in at 6:14.900. This performance solidified their status as a formidable competitor in the ACC.
All-ACC Honors
Virginia’s success at the championship was further recognized through accolades for individual athletes. Notable mentions include:
- Jenna Hajji, Sheila Joyce, and Skylar Dahl were named to the All-ACC First Team.
- Coxswain Brie Joe earned a spot on the Second Team.
Looking Ahead: NCAA Rowing Championships
As the team looks forward, the NCAA Rowing Championships are scheduled for May 30 – June 1 at Lake Mercer in West Windsor, N.J. The anticipation builds as fans mark their calendars for the NCAA DI Rowing Selection Show on Tuesday, May 20 at 5 p.m. on NCAA.com.
2025 All-ACC Rowing Team
Coach of the Year: Derek Byrnes, Stanford
Newcomer of the Year: Sarah Marriott, Stanford
Crew of the Year: Stanford Varsity Eight
First Team Selections
- Honor Warburg, Stanford (coxswain)
- Jenna Hajji, Virginia
- Sheila Joyce, Virginia
Second Team Selections
- Brie Joe, Virginia (coxswain)
Third Team Selections
- Caleigh Grimes, Syracuse (coxswain)
Virginia Lineups
Virginia boats showcased their deep roster and competitive edge, featuring:
Varsity Eight
- Coxswain: Brie Joe
- Stroke: Kennedy Housley
- Bow: Meagan Goldsmith
Second Varsity Eight
- Coxswain: Chloe Lee
- Stroke: Sophia Coppola
- Bow: Lila Henn
Third Varsity Eight
- Coxswain: Sami Goldman
- Stroke: Savannah Cogan
- Bow: Maggie Warren
Varsity Four
- Coxswain: Ashlynn McGinn
- Bow: Helene Dimitrijev
Second Varsity Four
- Coxswain: Samara Coakley
- Bow: Riley Richardson
In Conclusion
Virginia’s performance at the ACC Championships serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. As they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Rowing Championships, fans eagerly await to see how this talented team will continue to carve its path in collegiate rowing. The future looks promising for the Cavaliers, with the hopes of glory on the horizon.
