JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On any given day when the water permits, you will find the JU women’s rowing team gliding through the water on the St. Johns River.
“We’ve come off the most successful season we’ve had in program history,” JU rowing head coach Mike Lane said. “I’m fired up to do even more.”
“I think we have a lot of potential going into this new season,” JU rower Chaise Reagan said. “The freshmen coming in are super excited. We’re building off of the energy from last year. We only can go up from then.”
Last year the Dolphins had their best finish at the NCAA Championships in both program and conference history. They have won seven of the past nine Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships. JU has built a successful resume competing at some of the largest regattas around the country. This season, for the first time ever since the program began in 1956, they will compete internationally.
“It’s one of those things that for programs that are successful, they get the opportunity to go over and compete internationally,” Lane said. “I’m just so excited for these student athletes. They’re going to get the opportunity of a lifetime and really nothing will compare to it.”
In July, JU will travel to England and compete in the Royal Henley Regatta. The Dolphins will showcase their talents on the world stage against over 2,000 athletes from the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
“I feel like the Henley Regatta is one of the most prestigious regattas in the world,” JU rower Hannah Gagnon said.
Usually for competitions around the U.S., JU would travel with their equipment. But since the team has to travel across the pond, they will rent their boats and oars.
“I’m from Australia so I’ve raced internationally before and it is something that is crazy,” JU rower Gabby Huxtable said. “Having people from other countries is just such a big motivator. You want to show first of all off your school, but also show off your country. Although I’m not American, I take big pride in being from Jacksonville so I’m so excited to represent JU internationally.”
The Dolphins will immerse themselves in the European rowing culture this summer. Before departing for the Royal Henley Regatta, they will practice in the Netherlands, where teammate Anna Geurts is from.
“I’m really excited to show all my teammates and best friends my hometown, first of all,” Geurts said. “Then to go over to England and compete at one of the biggest races in the world is so exciting.”
A trip like this cannot be budgeted for. JU estimates the trip will cost $100,000. So the team is fundraising, hoping to make their goal and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you would like to donate to the JU women’s rowing team, you can click the link to donate.