The University of Virginia’s women’s rowing program is renowned for its sustained success, unwavering commitment to excellence, and groundbreaking innovations that have propelled the sport forward.

A History of Triumph
Since its inception in 1975, Virginia’s women’s rowing team has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including:
- 11 ACC Championships: The most in league history
- 3 NCAA Team Championships: 1996, 2012, and 2021
- 3 NCAA Individual Championships: 2008, 2011, and 2012
- 108 All-Americans: A testament to their athleticism and dedication
The team’s remarkable achievements reflect a culture of hard work, determination, and a shared vision of greatness.
Innovative Approach
UVA women’s rowing has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements and training methodologies:
- Hydrodynamic Hull Design: The program pioneered the use of advanced hull designs that optimize speed and performance.
- Personalized Training Programs: Each athlete receives customized training plans tailored to their individual strengths and development needs.
- State-of-the-Art Ergometers: The team’s training facility features cutting-edge ergometers that provide real-time data and performance analysis.
Elite Coaching Staff
The success of UVA women’s rowing is attributed in large part to the expertise and mentorship of its coaching staff:
- Kevin Sauer: Head coach with over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, including three NCAA championships.
- William Maupin: Assistant coach who has guided numerous rowers to All-American status.
- Laura Clifton: Assistant coach and former Olympic medalist who brings unparalleled expertise to the team.
Commitment to Inclusivity
UVA women’s rowing embraces diversity and inclusion as core values:
- Open to All Skill Levels: The program welcomes athletes of all backgrounds and experience levels, providing opportunities for every woman to excel.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: UVA offers generous scholarships and financial aid packages to make rowing accessible to all qualified athletes.
- Mentoring and Support: The team provides a supportive environment where athletes can thrive both academically and athletically.
The Future of Women’s Rowing
As UVA women’s rowing looks ahead, the program is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence:
- Research and Development: The team is actively involved in research projects that aim to push the boundaries of rowing performance.
- Community Outreach: UVA rowers contribute to the community through mentoring, coaching, and volunteering.
- Sustainability: The program is committed to environmental stewardship and reducing its carbon footprint.
Tables
Table 1: UVA Women’s Rowing ACC Championships
| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1st |
| 1996 | 1st |
| 1999 | 1st |
| 2009 | 1st |
| 2010 | 1st |
| 2011 | 1st |
| 2012 | 1st |
| 2013 | 1st |
| 2018 | 1st |
| 2020 | 1st |
| 2021 | 1st |
Table 2: UVA Women’s Rowing NCAA Appearances
| Year | Finish |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 10th |
| 1994 | 10th |
| 1995 | 2nd |
| 1996 | 1st |
| 1997 | 10th |
| 1998 | 4th |
| 2001 | 4th |
| 2002 | 6th |
| 2003 | 10th |
| 2004 | 10th |
| 2005 | 11th |
| 2006 | 10th |
| 2007 | 10th |
| 2008 | 10th |
| 2009 | 5th |
| 2010 | 6th |
| 2011 | 2nd |
| 2012 | 1st |
| 2013 | 2nd |
| 2014 | 5th |
| 2015 | 5th |
| 2016 | 6th |
| 2017 | 9th |
| 2018 | 6th |
| 2019 | 8th |
| 2021 | 1st |
Table 3: UVA Women’s Rowing All-Americans
| Name | Year Honored |
|---|---|
| Tess Bopp | 2022 |
| Kelly Breisacher | 2022 |
| Jackie Caudle | 2022 |
| Scarlett Harris | 2022 |
| Claire Janusz | 2022 |
| Sarah Klann | 2022 |
| Caitlyn Lawson | 2022 |
| Anna Morgan | 2022 |
| Aleksa Peshevski | 2022 |
| Maddie Riley | 2022 |
| Tori Schwiebert | 2022 |
Table 4: UVA Women’s Rowing Scholarship and Aid Information
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic Scholarships | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| Academic Scholarships | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Financial Aid | Varies based on need |
Conclusion
UVA women’s rowing is a powerhouse program that embodies excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. With a rich history of triumph, a commitment to technological advancements, and an exceptional coaching staff, the program is destined to continue its reign as a leader in the sport. The future of UVA women’s rowing is bright, and the team is poised to make waves in the competitive world of collegiate rowing for years to come.
