Syracuse Women’s Rowing Announces Class of 2012

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse women’s rowing head coach Kris Sanford announced the additions of Tija Bross, Mary Carlson, Naomi Carlson, Annie Couwenhoven, Carmen Failla, Calliope Giannopoulos, Emma Karpowicz, Tiffany Macon, Natalie McCrudden, Elizabeth McGehee and Allison Todd to the Syracuse University rowing team.

“I am very excited about the talent, experience and character of the class of 2012,” Sanford said. “We have 11 committed athletes from as far away as Alaska and Great Britain, who will be the core of one of the largest and most talented classes we’ve ever had.”

Bross joins the Orange from the Springside School in Philadelphia, Pa. where she was a multi-sport athlete throughout all four years of high school, participating in soccer, volleyball, track and rowing. She started rowing her junior year and quickly moved into the varsity boat.

“Tija is new to rowing but came to us highly recommended,” said assistant coach Alicea Kochis. “Over the past year her erg score has improved dramatically, showing her determination to learn the sport and excel at it.”

Mary Carlson played in four varsity sports at the Kenny Lake School in Copper Center, Alaska, including boy’s ice hockey, volleyball, softball and basketball. She transferred to the Kent School in Connecticut for her senior year where she played ice hockey and rowed.

“While recruiting Mary we found a picture of her playing outdoor ice hockey in Alaska against the boys when it was minus 12 degrees,” Kochis said. “Her eyelashes were frozen and frosted. That showed us just how tough she is.”

Mary’s twin sister Naomi Carlson played on a boy’s varsity high school ice hockey team and on the U16 and U19 Team Alaska hockey teams. N. Carlson started rowing during her senior year at the Kent School and earned a seat in the varsity eight that won the Connecticut Interscholastic Championship.

“Naomi is a fiery athlete with untapped potential,” Kochis stated. “She wants to be the best and is willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”

Couwenhoven joins the Orange from Monkton, Md. where she competed for the Baltimore Rowing Club while attending Baltimore Lutheran School. In 2007, she participated in the Junior National Team Development Camp. Couwenhoven placed third in the Jr. 4x at the 2007 USRowing Club Nationals and won the Jr. 1x at the 2007 Kings Head Regatta.

“Annie is a technically proficient small boat rower who will bring a plethora of race experience to the team,” Kochis said. “I can’t wait to see what she does at this level.”

Failla comes to Syracuse from Bedford, England where she was a multisport athlete who began rowing three years ago. In 2007, she won bronze at the National Rowing Championship of Great Britain in the Jr. 4x. Failla finished seventh at the British Indoor Rowing Championships in 2006 and 2007. She also holds Mark Rutherford Upper School records in the javelin and shot putt.

“Carmen is a true competitor,” Kochis said. “I look forward to her development in our program, and I see her as a major contributor to our future success.”

Giannopoulos competes for both Manhasset High School in Manhasset, N.Y. and Row New York. She has won gold at the Long Island Championship, New York State Championship and New Jersey State Championships. Last year Giannopoulos was a member of the varsity eight boat that raced in the semifinals at the US Youth National Championships.

“We recruited Calli because of her work ethic,” Kochis acknowledged. “What she lacks in height, she makes up for with grit and I know that her determination will make her successful at Syracuse University.”

Karpowicz attends William H. Hall High School and has been rowing for three years for Riverfront Recapture in West Hartford, Conn. She has led her teammates from the stroke seat all three years. Her novice year, Karpowicz’s boat went undefeated placing Riverfront in first place for many Connecticut regattas. Her boats have also placed well throughout her junior and senior years. Karpowicz was voted team captain in 2008 and honored the Leadership and Dedication award.

“Emma is a natural leader both on and off the water,” Kochis said. “Her coaches speak very highly of her and once we had her on campus, we knew that she was a great fit for our program.”

Macon rows for the Delta Blades and was named the team captain her senior year. In 2007, as a novice, her boats went 20-5 earning multiple gold medals and grand final appearances. In addition to rowing, Macon also plays basketball at Franklin High School in Stockton, Calif.

“Tiffany demands perfection from herself and her teammates,” Kochis stated. “She is an explosive athlete that knows how to focus and train.”

McCrudden rows for Nereid Boat Club, Passaic River Rowing Association and Ridgewood High School Crew Club in Ridgewood, N.J. She competed at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley in 2006 and Head of the Charles in 2007. During McCrudden’s senior season, her varsity quad finished second at the New Jersey Scholastic Rowing Championship.

“Natalie is a well-rounded student-athlete that will bring a lot of racing experience to the team,” Kochis said. “She is a natural athlete and I am excited to see what she can do at the collegiate level.”

McGehee has rowed in the first varsity boat all four years of her Walt Whitman High School rowing career, and served as team co-captain as a senior. Her rowing accomplishments include winning the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints. In 2007, The Bethesda, Md. native placed second at National Capital Championship Regatta, in the top five percent at the Head of the Charles and first at the Occoquan Chase and Head of the Occoquan.

“Elizabeth is committed to going fast,” Kochis said. “Her competitive spirit and willingness to work hard are contagious. She will not only push herself to new levels but inspire her teammates to come with her.”

Todd is a coxswain for West Side Rowing Club in Buffalo, N.Y. Her impressive resume includes wins at the 2007 New York State Rowing Championship, the 2006 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and the 2006 Stotesbury Cup. Todd’s coach touts her as one of the best coxswains to ever come through the program.

“Allison believes in our program and understands what it will take to get back to the NCAA Championship,” Kochis stated. “She is willing to take the reins to get us there.”

Syracuse University Athletics

Syracuse Women’s Rowing Announces Class of 2012

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