The University of Virginia rowing team is one of the most successful programs in the country. The Cavaliers have won 10 national championships, including the last two, and have finished in the top five every year since 2014.
The 2023 roster is once again loaded with talent. The Cavaliers return nine rowers from last year’s championship team, including All-American Olivia Merryweather. Merryweather is one of the best rowers in the country and will be a key leader for Virginia this season.
In addition to Merryweather, the Cavaliers have several other experienced rowers who will be expected to contribute this season. These include seniors Emily Rigney, Sarah Moore, and Julia Burke. Rigney is a two-time All-American and one of the top coxswains in the country. Moore is a two-time All-ACC selection and one of the team’s top rowers. Burke is a rising star who had a breakout season last year.
The Cavaliers also have a number of talented newcomers who will be looking to make an impact this season. These include freshmen Ally Hartzell, Ava Pauley, and Camille Gamble. Hartzell is a highly-touted recruit who is expected to be one of the team’s top rowers. Pauley is a versatile rower who can compete in both the varsity eight and the second varsity eight. Gamble is a talented coxswain who will compete for the starting job.
The Cavaliers have a tough schedule this season, but they are confident that they can compete for another national championship. The team will open the season at the Head of the Charles Regatta on October 22nd. They will then compete in the ACC Championships on May 13th and 14th. The NCAA Championships will be held from May 25th to 28th.
2023 UVA Rowing Roster
The following is a list of the rowers on the 2023 UVA rowing roster:
Seniors
- Sarah Baxter
- Julia Burke
- Camille Gamble
- Caroline Green
- Emily Rigney
- Sarah Moore
- Olivia Merryweather
- Ava Pauley
- Ally Hartzell
Juniors
- Emily Bamforth
- Elizabeth Bielski
- Morgan Bernstein
- Hannah Daniels
- Charlotte Ferrante
- Ella Kern
- Mary Klinck
- Elyse Ornstein
- Ellie Uffner
Sophomores
- Ellie Beeze
- Jackie Herman
- Lily Kropfinger
- Emily Lipari
- Jenna Mak
- Sofia Meng
- Shannon Wells
Freshmen
- Hayden Briner
- Ellie Cooper
- Gigi Farrell
- Grace Hood
- Bridget Kerwin
- Molly McCutcheon
- Emily Mentz
- Katie Quinn
- Ava Schonert
Key Additions and Losses
The Cavaliers added several talented newcomers to the roster this season, including freshmen Ally Hartzell, Ava Pauley, and Camille Gamble. Hartzell is a highly-touted recruit who is expected to be one of the team’s top rowers. Pauley is a versatile rower who can compete in both the varsity eight and the second varsity eight. Gamble is a talented coxswain who will compete for the starting job.
The Cavaliers also lost several key seniors from last year’s team, including All-Americans Dana Livingston and Meghan Musnicki. Livingston was a two-time All-American and one of the team’s top rowers. Musnicki was a two-time All-ACC selection and one of the team’s top coxswains.
Outlook for the Season
The Cavaliers have a tough schedule this season, but they are confident that they can compete for another national championship. The team will open the season at the Head of the Charles Regatta on October 22nd. They will then compete in the ACC Championships on May 13th and 14th. The NCAA Championships will be held from May 25th to 28th.
The Cavaliers have a lot of talent and experience on this year’s team. If they can stay healthy and row together as a team, they have a good chance of winning another national championship.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Depth: The Cavaliers have a lot of depth on this year’s team. They have several rowers who can compete in multiple events, which gives them a lot of flexibility.
- Experience: The Cavaliers have a lot of experienced rowers on this year’s team. They have nine rowers who were part of last year’s national championship team.
- Coaching: The Cavaliers have one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Coach Kevin Sauer has led Virginia to 10 national championships and is one of the most respected coaches in the sport.
Weaknesses:
- Schedule: The Cavaliers have a tough schedule this season. They will compete against some of the best teams in the country, including Yale, Princeton, and Brown.
- Injuries: The Cavaliers have been plagued by injuries in recent years. If they can stay healthy, they will be a tough team to beat.
Predictions
The Cavaliers are the favorites to win the ACC Championship this season. They are also a contender for the national championship. Here is a prediction of how the Cavaliers will finish this season:
- ACC Championships: 1st place
- NCAA Championships: 1st place