‘U’ Rowing has 16 Earn CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award

MINNEAPOLIS – Sixteen student-athletes from the Minnesota rowing team were recognized Friday by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) with the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award. In total, 1,174 student-athletes earned the award across all divisions of collegiate women’s rowing as these athletes represent the highest standards of excellence in both academic achievement and athletic performance.
 
Of the student-athletes recognized in 2026, 76 maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. These numbers reflect the dedication, time management, and resilience required to excel in demanding collegiate sports while pursuing rigorous academic goals.
 
The CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes collegiate rowers who demonstrate a strong commitment to success in the classroom and on the water. Nominees must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements

• Must meet all institutional and conference eligibility rules
• Must be in their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year of eligibility
• Must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher through the end of the fall semester

Athletic Requirements

• Must have rowed in at least 75% of the team’s spring races in an NCAA eligible boat
  
  or
• Must have competed in an NCAA boat at their conference championship

“Balancing the demands of collegiate rowing and academics requires tremendous commitment, discipline, and support,” said Janet Raymer, CRCA Executive Director. “These 1,174 scholar-athletes have demonstrated excellence not only in competition, but also in the classroom. Their achievements reflect the dedication of the student-athletes themselves, as well as the coaches, teammates, faculty, and families who help support their success. The CRCA is proud to recognize their accomplishments.”
 
2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award Winners
Radhika Ajmera – Marketing
Alexa Fauson – English
Manon Field – Cellular and Organismal Physiology
Madeline Fincham – Premajor
Emily Franke – Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Emma Herstad – Biology
Kimberly Klassen – Finance
Nuala Macfarlane – Business and Marketing Education
Peyton Miller – Marketing
McCall Motz – Finance
Alexa Mueller – Cellular and Organismal Physiology
Ashley Ohlemacher – Biology
Chloe Petersen – Undeclared
Sophia Pirigyi – Developmental Psychology
Martyna Rzeznik – Business and Marketing Education
Danna Strohsack – Medical Laboratory Sciences
 
For a full list of the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, click HERE.