Women's Rowing Introduces Freshman Class

Women's Rowing Announces Incoming Class
Justin Moore welcomes 16 to the Orange program.

Syracuse women's rowing head coach Justin Moore has announced the addition of 16 student-athletes to the Orange roster for the 2014-15 season. The talented and deep group represents the strides the program has made during Moore's tenure.

"The Class of 2018 demonstrates the continued growth and development of our program," Moore said. "We have hit our stride in terms of identifying, recruiting and developing young women who are fantastic fits for this university and our rowing program."

The class joins an Orange squad that is coming off a season in which it reached a ranking as high as 16^th nationally and finished the year ranked No. 19. SU placed third overall in its first ACC Championship.

Meet the incoming class:

Madison Chapin, 5-11, Radnor, N.J.
Radnor High School class of 2014 … Won the Philadelphia City Championship with the Radnor's Crew Club in 2014 and finished third in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta … Has rowed at the Head of the Charles three times (2011-13) … Most Improved Rower Award in 2013 … In 2011, won Philadelphia City Championship and was second at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in 2011.

"When I met the team and the students at Syracuse, I knew that this was the place where I belonged. They were all so welcoming and were people that I was genuinely excited to spend my next four years with. Syracuse University offers me the perfect balance of strong academics and competitive athletics which I am thrilled to be a part of."

Elizabeth Eisnor, 5-6, Rexford, N.Y.
Shenendehowa High School class of 2014 … Rowed from sixth through 12^th grade … Also on the swim team all four years of high school, posting sectional qualifying times.

"I chose Syracuse University because I know that I will be challenged both academically and athletically. I love the energy and excitement on campus and can't wait to call it home for the next four years!"

Deirdre Fitzpatrick, 5-11, Cheshire, Conn.
Sacred Heart Academy 2012 … In 2011, came in 1^st at Head of the Charles , was 3^rd at youth nationals, and was third at Worlds … Placed 2^nd at Worlds in 2012.

Olivia Humphrey, 5-8, Melbourne, Fla.
West Shore High School class of 2014 … Rowed for Space Coast Crew … Set club record in 2K (7:33) in 2013 … Second place at Erg Sprints in 2013 (500m) … Silver medal in junior B4+ at Club Nationals in 2012 … Team captain as a junior and senior … Rower of the Year in 2014 … Outstanding Leadership Award in 2014.

"I chose to attend Syracuse University because out of all the NCAA D1 schools with architecture programs, they uniquely supported pursuing both my academic and athletic goals."

Ashley Johnson, 5-9, Buffalo, N.Y.
Clarence High School 2014 ... Rowed for West Side Rowing Club from 2011-2014 ... Rowed for Mount Baker Crew from 2010-2011 ... Named the Girls Rowing PrepTalk Player of the Year by the Buffalo News.

"When I first met with the coaches I loved what they had to say and the way they approached the sport and all the athletes. After meeting the team, I was reassured that it was the right fit for me. The academics at the school were very appealing as well; it's a learning environment which I know I will do well in."

Haley Jones, 6-1, Jamestown, N.Y.
Jamestown High School 2014 … In 2011 placed 1^st in the Novice 4 at the NYS Scholastic Championships … Placed 2^nd in the V4 at the 2012 NYS Scholastic Championships … Placed 3^rd in the V4 at the NYS Scholastic Championships in 2014. Most Improved Rower Award in 2013 … Was also MVP for volleyball in 2011 and recipient of the All-Area Sportsmanship Award for volleyball in 2013.

"It was very important to find a school that emphasized academics as well as athletics and what struck me was that Syracuse really focused on the idea that we aren't all going to be built to be professional rowers, but strong and motivated women in our future careers and endeavors. The team was so friendly and welcoming and that was an atmosphere of which I wanted to take part."

Emma Kendrick, 5-0, Kent, Conn.
"I chose to come to Syracuse not only for the awesome rowing team but to pursue a career in Public Relations."

Sarah Konishesky, 5-11, East Lyme, Conn.
"I chose to row at Syracuse University because I wanted to expose myself to a competitive environment that emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, hard work and athleticism. I also wanted to a part of the team that earned Syracuse a bid to NCAA Championships."

McKenna Moore, 5-11, Westerville, Ohio
Westerville South High School 2014 ... Team captain senior year ... 3 year letter winner ... 2nd place finish at the 2013 Midwest Erg Competition ... Member of the National Honor Society.

"I knew Syracuse was the right fit for me from the first day that I set foot on campus. I could not be more excited to learn from the amazing coaching staff and compete with the talented athletes that I will have the honor of calling teammates. Academically, Syracuse has the best communications program in the country, which will prepare me for my career after I graduate. I chose SU because I am confident that I will leave as a better person and athlete all around! Go Orange!"

Carolina Ratcliff, 5-9, McLean, Va.
James Madison High School 2014 ... Team captain ... All-Metropolitan Athlete sophomore, junior, and senior years ... Three-time state champion ... Named to the All-Madison Team senior year ... Named the 2013 USRowing Junior Rower of the Year ... 1st place finish in the women's pairs at the 2013 US Rowing Youth Nationals ... 5th place finish in the varsity eight at the 2013 World Rowing Championships ... 2nd place finish in the varsity eight at the 2012 World Rowing Championships ... 2nd place at the 2011 USRowing Youth Nationals ... Earned the Lady Warhawk honor for having the fastest erg score ... Member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Syracuse for the amazing team dynamic and coaching as well at the incredible Newhouse journalism program."

Griffin Rauscher, 5-9, Radnor, N.J.
Radnor High School class of 2014 … Third at Philadelphia City Championship in 2014 … 11^th at Head of Schuylkill in 2013 … Fifth at Stotesbury Cup Regatta in 2012 … Won the Mercer Sprints in 2011 … Captain senior year … three-year varsity letterwinner.

"Syracuse was a perfect fit for me on and off of the water. I stepped on campus and could immediately picture myself walking around campus and attending classes. After meeting coaches, Justin, Alicea, and Jim and a few of the rowers, I felt welcomed and I knew that I had to be here. I am certain that I have made the right decision for myself and I can't wait to join the Orange for the next four years!"

Sydney Rodriguez, 5-4, San Francisco, Calif.
Saint Ignatius College Preparatory 2014 ... Team captain senior year ... 3rd place finish in grand final at the 2014 USRowing Southwest Regional Championships ... 2nd place finish in grand final at the Scholastic Nationals.

"I wanted a university where I could be challenged athletically and academically. Syracuse is giving me the opportunity to compete as a Division 1 athlete in the sport I love, while being able to study at one of the best communications schools in the country."

Kayla Rubinstein
Clarkstown North High School 2014 … Rowed for River Rowing Association 2014 … In 2012 placed 1^st at NY State Eastern Championships Girls 4+ and competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta Girls 4 +… Placed 1st in the 2013 LI Rowing Championships Girls 4+. Recipient of NYSSRA Scholar Athlete Award 2013-2014.

"I choose Syracuse for their rowing heritage, academic excellence, and to become part of the tradition that is Syracuse Orange."

Christina Tobias, 5-7, Los Gatos, Calif.
Presentation High School 2014 ... Rowed for Los Gatos Rowing Club ... Team captain sophomore and senior years ... 2013-14 Team Captain Award ... Placed 2nd in Varsity Quad at the 2014 Southwest Regional Championships ... 10th place finish in Varsity Quad at the 2014 USRowing Youth Nationals ... 2013-14 USRowing National Honor Roll ... 4th place finish in V8+ and Varsity Quad at the 2013 Southwest Regional Championships ... 14th place finish in V8+ at the 2013 USRowing Youth Nationals ... 5th place finish in Novice A 8+ at the 2012 Southwest Regional Championships ... Also participated in field hockey and swimming.

"I chose Syracuse because it is the right fit all around. Not only is the engineering school great, but the team is also amazing. The first time I walked on campus I knew that Syracuse would be my top choice. When I met the team I was welcomed in a way that set Syracuse apart from other schools."

Kari Tomeny, 5-11, Baldwinsville, N.Y.

Transfer from Rhode Island … First Team All-Atlantic 10 and First Team All-New England 2012 at the University of Rhode Island ... Team captain … Graduate of C.W. Baker High School … MVP Junior and Senior years ... Crew captain 2011.

Julia Vander Hoeven, 5-10, St. Catharine's, Ontario
Holy Cross 2014 ... Rower of the Year honors her sophomore, junior, and senior years ... Gold medal finishes at the 2014 Stotesbury Cup, CSSRA Championships, and SRAA Championships ... Gold medal finishes at the 2013 Stotesbury Cup and CSSRA Championships ... Named to the 2013 U21 Ontario Canada Summer Games team ... Gold medal finishes at the 2012 Canadian Henley Regatta and Stotesbury Cup ... 2012 St. Catharines Rowing Club Junior B Oarswoman of the Year ... Two-time provincial champion in women's hockey.

"I chose Syracuse for both the amazing athletics and academics. I think that the Business program at Syracuse will be very well suited for me and my learning interests. When I visited Syracuse and met the team and coaches I immediately knew Syracuse was where I wanted to spend my next four years. All of the girls were extremely friendly and seemed so close with each other. The coaching staff showed so much passion for rowing and truly cared about every athlete on the team. I can't wait to be a part of the Syracuse rowing family."

"When we developed our strategy to becoming one of the best teams in the country, we felt that increasing our depth of talent was going to be critical to the team's overall success," Moore said. "This group of 16 women will have an immediate impact on the depth of talent in our squad. There are several women who will come in and challenge for seats in our first varsity crew. However, we see the class as a whole like a rising tide, one that will lift all boats. I am convinced that there will be at least one woman from this class in each of our crews this coming spring. The competitive depth these women bring to our already fired-up team, will serve to enhance the atmosphere of each and every training session. We, as a staff and team, are really looking forward to having them training and racing with us in 2014-15."

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Deirdre Fitzpatrick

Olivia Humphrey

Haley Jones

Emma Kendrick

Sarah Konishesky

McKenna Moore

Carolina Ratcliff

Griffin Rauscher

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