FAIRFIELD, Conn.- Sacred Heart University women's rowing sophomore Saige Harper was selected to row in the PR3 coxed four boat that will represent the United States at the 2022 World Rowing Championships as announced by USA Rowing. Harper is the first Sacred Heart rower to be selected to race in that boat.
 
"I can't quite pinpoint exactly what I'm feeling right now," said Harper. "I've been working towards and dreaming about this moment for so long now and now the hard work has paid off."
 
The United States' PR3 coxed four is a storied boat class having won silver in the event seven consecutive years in Paralympic and world championship competition including picking up a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
 
Harper suffered a boating accident in 2015 that injured her left leg, caused major problems with her nerves and left her knee completely numb. She suffers from neuropathy and limitations to her range of motion and muscle strength. With years of physical therapy, she was able to walk again and rejoin athletic competition.
 
"I'm very proud of Saige for making the senior national team," stated head coach Lucas Wilhelm. "She is so deserving of this opportunity and she is a great person to represent the Pioneers at the highest level. Our whole team will be rallying around the tv when we get to watch Saige in the final at world championships!"
 
Harper joins four other rowers in the PR3 coxed four boat featuring Molly Moore (Harvard College), Andrew Wigren (Hobart College), Alex Flynn (St. John's Prep) and Emilie Eldracher (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Harper, Flynn and Eldracher are rowing on their first national team.
 
"Being a student-athlete at Sacred Heart has prepared me for this by teaching me to get out of my comfort zone and work harder than I knew was possible," said Harper. "Sacred Heart has given me the environment and opportunity to flourish in so many ways including athletically."
 
The 2022 World Rowing Championships is set to take place September 18-25 in Racice, Czech Republic.