11 to Join Women's Rowing Program

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse University women's rowing head coach Justin Moore announced the addition of 11 student-athletes to the program for the 2016 season. These student-athletes join a Syracuse program that finished the 2015 campaign ranked No. 18 nationally, its highest final ranking since 2005.

Emily Andolfatto
6-0; Melbourne, Australia/Methodist Ladies College
Fourth in the 4- at the 2015 Australian national championships.

"I was drawn to Syracuse because of how vibrant the rowing community seemed. The coaches' enthusiasm is infectious and I'm incredibly excited to experience the Orange atmosphere."

Rachael Caldwell
6-0; Melbourne, Australia/Melbourne University Boat Club
Won the U21 2-, U21 4+, and U23 8+ at the 2015 Australian national championships.

"After rowing at the Melbourne Girls Grammar School and Melbourne University Boat Club, I am very excited to join Syracuse University. This amazing opportunity will enable me to develop my skills and standard of rowing while having the opportunity to further my studies in the health field. My decision to choose Syracuse was made easy based on the opportunity to meet new people, the rowing facilities, the training regime, and the quality of coaching at Syracuse. I can't wait to start at Syracuse."

Christine Habjan
5-6; New Milford, Conn./GMS Rowing Center
First in the women's 2x at the 2013 USRowing club national championships … Sister of former Syracuse women's rower Caroline Habjan '15.

"I chose Syracuse University because the atmosphere of the school is much different from all the other colleges I visited. Everyone on campus and on the rowing team loves the program and enjoys being at Syracuse. I wanted to be a part of a university whose philosophy shares the same enthusiasm for knowledge and life as I do."

Sarah Hurley
5-2; Minneapolis, Minn./Twin Cities Rowing
Coxswain.

"I chose Syracuse University because I wanted to combine a strong academic reputation with a strong and respected rowing team. I was honored to be given the opportunity to be a part of a team that continues to improve every year and be a part the success. Syracuse appealed to me instantly and I knew it would be the perfect school for me."

Arianna Lee
5-11; Folsom, Calif/Upper Natoma Rowing Center
Will represent the United States in at the 2015 World Rowing Junior Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil … With her partner, Margaret Dawson, won their final at the 2015 United States Junior Trials … Finished in second place in the 4+ at the 2015 USRowing Youth Nationals … Placed first in the 4+ and 1x at the USRowing Southwest Regional Regatta.

"I chose Syracuse because they don't put athletics before academics, but still strive to have a strong and competitive rowing program. In the way of academics, it is also one of a few schools that I looked at that has Computer Engineering."

Maizy Ludden
5-9; Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker High School
Won the 2015 New York state championship in the 4+ … Finished in third place at the 2015 Scholastic National Championship in the 4+ … Hails from the same hometown as current women's rower Kari Tomeny.

"I received Syracuse University's Coronat Scholarship, which was an incredible honor. SU is also one of the only colleges to offer a major in Biotechnology, which is what I want to study."

Zoe Preston
6-1; Melbourne, Australia/Haileybury School
Won the 2015 U19 4+ at the Victoria state championships … Won the 2014 Australian Henley U21 8+.

"I chose Syracuse because of the recommendations of current students who loved the classes, experiences, and great atmosphere on campus. Also, Syracuse has offered me the opportunity to pursue both my learning and sporting goals."

Lauren Richards
5-11; North Arlington, Va./Yorktown High School
2015 Washington Post First Team All-Met Team.

"I chose Syracuse because of its competitive atmosphere. Every person I met on campus and on the team seemed dedicated and enthusiastic about whatever they were perusing at this school. I wanted to join this community and be a part of this tradition as well as help the team."

Isabelle Rodgers
5-8; Marion, Mass./Tabor Academy
Won the petite finals at the 2015 NEIRA rowing championship.

"Syracuse is a team that has really just found its really competitive side and has really started to make its mark in the collegiate rowing world. I really wanted to join a team that was competitive, young, and really hungry to win and Syracuse is exactly that. Also, the coaches are amazing and the team is so inviting, really wants to welcome you, and they made me feel immediately that this was the team for me. I can't wait to help them get to the NCAA Championship!"

Rebecca Spraggins
5-3; Arlington, Va./Washington Lee
2015 Better Sports Club of Arlington's Crew Sportswoman of the Year.

"I chose Syracuse because as soon as I visited I instantly felt at home. The girls were extremely welcoming and the coaching staff made me feel like I would not only grow as an athlete on this team, but mainly as a person. Also, I wanted to be a part of a team that was up and coming so that I could feel like I would be making a large impact on the development of the team with the goal of making the NCAA Championship!"

Julia Telesca
5-7; Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool High School
2015 Liverpool High School team captain and most valuable player … Joins Emma Allen on the Orange women's rowing program, who also attended Liverpool High School.

"I chose Syracuse University for the quality of their engineering program and their multitude of opportunities. Also, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to belong to a prestigious rowing team that has so much strength and competitiveness."

Syracuse University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Emma Allen

Emma Allen

Emily Andolfatto

Rachael Caldwell

Christine Habjan

Arianna Lee

Zoe Preston

Lauren Richards

Isabelle Rodgers

Rebecca Spraggins

Julia Telesca

Kari Tomeny

Kari Tomeny

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