Rockwood Honored with Syracuse 8 Courage Award
4/28/2026 9:13:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Syracuse women's rowing senior Abby Rockwood was honored with the Syracuse 8 Courage Award at the annual Cuse Awards last night. Rockwood, a member of the women's rowing team, had her senior season cut short when she was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia, taking her away from the water and her teammates.
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Rockwood approached the situation the only way she knew how – with optimism and determination. Despite the diagnosis, Rockwood was adamant she would be finishing her degree and walking with her class this spring. Rockwood said she remained determined and courageous because that's her best option.
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"You just have to do what you have to do to get healthy and back on track," Rockwood said. "There's no point in mustering in some pity party. I think you just have to keep moving forward and being optimistic. Keep having the courage to move forward – that's the best option there is."
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She received positive news recently, that her body had responded well to the first round of chemotherapy and they'd be able to move forward with her treatment plan. Head women's rowing coach Luke McGee said her determination has been a true inspiration to the entire program.
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"Right from the moment that Abby was diagnosed, she was determined that she was going to finish her degree," McGee said. "How she has met this situation head-on with positive atmosphere and positive viewpoint has been nothing but inspirational for us."
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Established in 2007, the Syracuse 8 Courage Award is presented annually to a student-athlete who has an honor bestowed upon an individual who has overcome a disadvantaged background, a serious injury, or has demonstrated uncommon bravery or highly principled behavior in the face of adversity. It is awarded to that student-athlete, regardless of race, color or gender, whose actions, like the actions of the men in whose honor this award is being made, both reflect these values and a commitment to sportsmanship and academic achievement.
Her teammates encourage people to sign up for the NMDP registry or consider donating to her GoFundMe page.Â
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Rockwood approached the situation the only way she knew how – with optimism and determination. Despite the diagnosis, Rockwood was adamant she would be finishing her degree and walking with her class this spring. Rockwood said she remained determined and courageous because that's her best option.
Â
"You just have to do what you have to do to get healthy and back on track," Rockwood said. "There's no point in mustering in some pity party. I think you just have to keep moving forward and being optimistic. Keep having the courage to move forward – that's the best option there is."
Â
She received positive news recently, that her body had responded well to the first round of chemotherapy and they'd be able to move forward with her treatment plan. Head women's rowing coach Luke McGee said her determination has been a true inspiration to the entire program.
Â
"Right from the moment that Abby was diagnosed, she was determined that she was going to finish her degree," McGee said. "How she has met this situation head-on with positive atmosphere and positive viewpoint has been nothing but inspirational for us."
Â
Established in 2007, the Syracuse 8 Courage Award is presented annually to a student-athlete who has an honor bestowed upon an individual who has overcome a disadvantaged background, a serious injury, or has demonstrated uncommon bravery or highly principled behavior in the face of adversity. It is awarded to that student-athlete, regardless of race, color or gender, whose actions, like the actions of the men in whose honor this award is being made, both reflect these values and a commitment to sportsmanship and academic achievement.
Her teammates encourage people to sign up for the NMDP registry or consider donating to her GoFundMe page.Â
Syracuse 8 Courage Award | Abby Rockwood
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