Rowing Announces Class of 2013
8/5/2009 10:16:45 AM | Women's Rowing
SYRACUSE – Head Syracuse University women's rowing coach Kris Sanford has announced that 11 student-athletes will join the program beginning in the fall of 2009. The Orange will add three student-athletes from New York, a pair from Pennsylvania and Florida, and one from California, Washington, New Jersey and the United Kingdom.
Laura Adams • 6'1” • San Marino HS • San Marino, Calif.
Adams was a standout water polo player at both San Marino High School and as a member of Rose Bowl Water Polo. She was the three-time top scorer on her team and earned MVP accolades twice. In addition to water polo, she was also a member of her school's volleyball and swim teams.
“Laura is new to the sport but came to us highly recommended. We were very impressed with her athleticism, competitive nature and physique,” said assistant Syracuse University women's rowing coach Alicea Kochis. “Her build is perfect for the sport and her potential is limitless.”
Paola Benevento • 5'10” • Henninger HS • Syracuse, N.Y.
Beneventorows for the Syracuse Chargers Club Team and Henninger High School. She was named captain and MVP as a sophomore, junior and senior. In 2009 she was presented with the Anthony Galeazzi Award as an athlete who excels in Physical Education, and is an active member of the community.
“It is always great to have local talent on the team. Paola is excited to be part of the history and tradition of Syracuse rowing,” Kochis said. “We look forward to watching her continued development at this level.”
Gina Biascoechea • 6'2” • Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy HS • Everett, Wash.
As a member of the Everett Rowing Association, Biascoecheahas medaled at numerous regattas including the Northwest Regional Regatta and the Brentwood Regatta. She was invited to participate in the 2007 and 2008 Junior National Team Selection Camps and earned a spot on the 2007 Junior National High Performance Team. This winter she won the Northwest Indoor Rowing Championship in the Junior Women's Division.
“Gina's international experience combined with her erg score gives her a great base to continue building off,” Kochis said. “She is still developing as an athlete and is eager to continue improving to excel at the collegiate level. We expect great things from her over her collegiate career.”
Kristina Herb • 5'1” • Fairport HS • Fairport, N.Y.
Herb coxes for the Fairport Crew Club in Fairport, N.Y. In 2008, her boat earned silver at the New York State Rowing Championships. She received the Captain's Award for improvement, effort and sportsmanship.
“While listening to Kristina's tapes, we were impressed with her efficiency, tone and command of her crew,” Kochis said. “We hope she continues to improve in coxswain seat here at Syracuse.”
Lauren Hillard • 5'8” • Miami Beach Senior HS • Miami Beach, Fla.
Hillard was a multi-sport athlete throughout all four years of high school. She has rowed for three years at Miami Beach Rowing Club. She stroked her team's varsity four-x to medal in various races. Additionally, she competed in high school cross country, tennis and basketball.
“We love Lauren's enthusiasm for the sport,” Kochis said. “She is a natural athlete and we look forward to seeing what she does over the next few years.”
Natalie Irvine • 5'10” • Motherwell, Uk.
Irvine was named to the 2009 Scotland Junior Team. She won the Scottish Championships in the multiple events in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as a member of the Strathclyde Park Rowing Club. On the erg she placed second in the Scottish Indoor Rowing championships.
“Natalie has a wealth of rowing experience and the desire to compete at the highest level,” Kochis said. “We expect her to have an immediate impact when she arrives on campus.”
Jenn McKay • 5'5” • Shenendehowa HS • Waterford, N.Y.
McKay rowed all four years at Shenendehowa High School. She rows both port and starboard, as well as sculls. She placed second at Head of the Charles her junior year. As a senior she won both the Section Two and New York State Championships.
“What Jenn lacks in height, she makes up for with grit and I know that her determination will make her successful at Syracuse University,” Kochis said.
Macey Miller • 5'9” • Atlantic City HS • Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
Miller is a multi-sport athlete participating in field hockey, swimming and rowing earning 11 varsity letters throughout her high school career. She was named 2009 Atlantic City High School Female Athlete of the Year.
“Despite not specializing in rowing, Macey has had a lot of success both on the water and on the erg,” Kochis. “She is a fiery competitor and will do whatever it takes to succeed.”
Kate Severino • 5'8” • West Chester Henderson HS • West Chester, Pa.
As a member of the Wilmington Youth Rowing Association, Severino has competed in many regattas including the prestigious Head of the Charles where she stroked the varsity four to a guaranteed entry for the following year.
“We are excited to have Kate joining our program,” Kochis said. “She is a great team person and will work hard to elevate not only her own performance but that of her teammates.”
Lindsey Spry • 6'0” • Country Day School of the Sacred Heart • Newton Square, Pa.
As a senior, Spry won silver at the New Jersey High School Championships and made the final at Scholastic Nationals in the two-x.
“Lindsey's small boat experience is an asset,” Kochis said. “With our training program, I expect Lindsey to improve dramatically.”
Hannah Stofcik • 5'7” • Olympia HS • Orlando, Fla.
As a member of the Orlando Area Rowing Society, Stofcik has medaled in many different races including the Head of the Hooch and the OARS Invitational. She was named captain her senior year.
“Hannah is a well rounded student-athlete,” Kochis said. ”She comes in with glowing recommendations and will be a great team player.”
The Orange finished second at last season's BIG EAST Championship with 97 points.
