SHU Rowing Adds Eight Newcomers
1/17/2023 1:56:00 PM | Women's Rowing
Pios Add Speed, Power and Character to Program
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Sacred Heart University Rowing Head Coach Lucas Wilhelm announced the signing of eight first years who are part of the Class of 2027.
"The class of 27 is the biggest and fastest we've ever seen," said Wilhelm. "These pioneers are also great people who will add to our campus culture in exceptional ways."
These excellent athletes from across the U.S. bring experience competing at some of the highest junior levels in rowing along with versatility playing multiple sports.
Wilhelm added, "These young women will add to both our boat speed and team dynamic, and we are excited to see what happens when they sit in our boats. These are really well rounded, fun and determined women who I can't wait to coach."
Here are the members of Row with Heart's Class of 2027, who have explained why they chose Sacred Heart.
Gabrielle Gotschall (East Lyme, Conn.) -
"I was drawn to SHU the second I set foot on campus. Even though I was on a college tour, I felt like I was already becoming a Pioneer. I was not only intrigued by the beautiful campus, but also all the academic opportunities offered to help me prosper."
Coach Luke's Report: Gabby has potential to impact our team as a first year. She is improving rapidly and is already a diehard Pioneer. She also has many talents outside of rowing that we can't wait to show off on campus.
Rose Kelly (New Milford, Conn.) -
"I chose SHU because I loved the campus (especially all the dining options), and when I went on my visit, I loved the way the team interacted with one another, the coaching style, and I just love the Housatonic River!"
Coach Luke's Report: Rose is a racer through and through. She has a great attitude towards training and racing that we want to see infect our whole team. Every time we talk to Rose, we get excited about how much speed and fun she will bring to our boats.
Giulianna McCarthy (Wading River, N.Y.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart because of the beautiful campus and the energy campus had. Everyone is outside and active all the time. The team is super welcoming and had a good bond. I know Sacred Heart is going to give me amazing academic and athletic opportunities."
Coach Luke's Report: Since we first talked to Giulianna, we circled her name on the list as an athlete we want in Pioneer gear. She has tons of potential, great attitude, and we think she is going to make some major moves in our boats. Big talent out of Long Island.
Lauren McQuillan (Chanhassen, Minn.) -
"What drew me to Sacred Heart was the feeling I had on campus. As soon as I stepped on campus I couldn't stop smiling! I loved the coaching staff and team and how supportive they all are. I was drawn to the amazing educational opportunity that Sacred Heart offers and I love that I get to be a part of such an amazing team. I am so excited to be a Pioneer!!"
Coach Luke's Report: Lauren is a bright light out of the great white north. She is tough, honest, and really fun. I think she will add some grit and athleticism to our team. We knew within minutes of our first call that Lauren was on the "can't miss list."
Susan Munley (Bedford, N.H.) -
"I was drawn to SHU for its acclaimed Health Science Programs as well as the opportunity to row competitively in college. I had heard great things about the team, and when I visited, I loved the team camaraderie and vibe."
Coach Luke's Report: New Hampshire keeps shipping us awesome rowers, and Susan is our latest addition. She is fast, kind, and I've never seen her without a smile. Susan will undoubtedly help us win races and probably smile the entire time down the river.
Rachel Proulx (South Grafton, Mass.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart by the community and support that I saw when I toured campus. It was welcoming right away, and I knew as soon as I walked in that I wanted to be a part of that."
Coach Luke's Report: Rachel is a great athlete who has all the traits of a good rower. She is strong, tall, and tough, which is why we can't wait to get her in the engine room throwing down! SHU is adding a winner with Rachel.
MaryAgnes Sistino (Western Springs, Ill.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart because the school immediately felt like home, I loved the gorgeous campus but also thought that the school has so many opportunities for the social, athletic, and academic aspects."
Coach Luke's Report: Mary Agnes is a great example of a Pioneer. She is kind, thoughtful, and pushes herself in positive ways. She and her family are a delight, and I think that we will see her reaching new heights from the minute she lifts a SHU boat off the rack.
Alexandria Yost (Swansea, Mass.) -
"The first thing that drew me to Sacred Heart was the academics. Before I considered playing a sport in college, I looked at schools that had my intended major and good academic credentials. I knew Sacred Heart provided a dual program that would allow me to go to PA School, as well as, study exercise science, which is the reason I was so drawn to the school."
Coach Luke's Report: Swansea's own Lexi will be lining up for us soon, but not soon enough. Her competitiveness and athleticism is everything we look for in a Pioneer. We think Lexi has found a new home here because she will fit right in with the team we have.
"The class of 27 is the biggest and fastest we've ever seen," said Wilhelm. "These pioneers are also great people who will add to our campus culture in exceptional ways."
These excellent athletes from across the U.S. bring experience competing at some of the highest junior levels in rowing along with versatility playing multiple sports.
Wilhelm added, "These young women will add to both our boat speed and team dynamic, and we are excited to see what happens when they sit in our boats. These are really well rounded, fun and determined women who I can't wait to coach."
Here are the members of Row with Heart's Class of 2027, who have explained why they chose Sacred Heart.
Gabrielle Gotschall (East Lyme, Conn.) -
"I was drawn to SHU the second I set foot on campus. Even though I was on a college tour, I felt like I was already becoming a Pioneer. I was not only intrigued by the beautiful campus, but also all the academic opportunities offered to help me prosper."
Coach Luke's Report: Gabby has potential to impact our team as a first year. She is improving rapidly and is already a diehard Pioneer. She also has many talents outside of rowing that we can't wait to show off on campus.
Rose Kelly (New Milford, Conn.) -
"I chose SHU because I loved the campus (especially all the dining options), and when I went on my visit, I loved the way the team interacted with one another, the coaching style, and I just love the Housatonic River!"
Coach Luke's Report: Rose is a racer through and through. She has a great attitude towards training and racing that we want to see infect our whole team. Every time we talk to Rose, we get excited about how much speed and fun she will bring to our boats.
Giulianna McCarthy (Wading River, N.Y.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart because of the beautiful campus and the energy campus had. Everyone is outside and active all the time. The team is super welcoming and had a good bond. I know Sacred Heart is going to give me amazing academic and athletic opportunities."
Coach Luke's Report: Since we first talked to Giulianna, we circled her name on the list as an athlete we want in Pioneer gear. She has tons of potential, great attitude, and we think she is going to make some major moves in our boats. Big talent out of Long Island.
Lauren McQuillan (Chanhassen, Minn.) -
"What drew me to Sacred Heart was the feeling I had on campus. As soon as I stepped on campus I couldn't stop smiling! I loved the coaching staff and team and how supportive they all are. I was drawn to the amazing educational opportunity that Sacred Heart offers and I love that I get to be a part of such an amazing team. I am so excited to be a Pioneer!!"
Coach Luke's Report: Lauren is a bright light out of the great white north. She is tough, honest, and really fun. I think she will add some grit and athleticism to our team. We knew within minutes of our first call that Lauren was on the "can't miss list."
Susan Munley (Bedford, N.H.) -
"I was drawn to SHU for its acclaimed Health Science Programs as well as the opportunity to row competitively in college. I had heard great things about the team, and when I visited, I loved the team camaraderie and vibe."
Coach Luke's Report: New Hampshire keeps shipping us awesome rowers, and Susan is our latest addition. She is fast, kind, and I've never seen her without a smile. Susan will undoubtedly help us win races and probably smile the entire time down the river.
Rachel Proulx (South Grafton, Mass.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart by the community and support that I saw when I toured campus. It was welcoming right away, and I knew as soon as I walked in that I wanted to be a part of that."
Coach Luke's Report: Rachel is a great athlete who has all the traits of a good rower. She is strong, tall, and tough, which is why we can't wait to get her in the engine room throwing down! SHU is adding a winner with Rachel.
MaryAgnes Sistino (Western Springs, Ill.) -
"I was drawn to Sacred Heart because the school immediately felt like home, I loved the gorgeous campus but also thought that the school has so many opportunities for the social, athletic, and academic aspects."
Coach Luke's Report: Mary Agnes is a great example of a Pioneer. She is kind, thoughtful, and pushes herself in positive ways. She and her family are a delight, and I think that we will see her reaching new heights from the minute she lifts a SHU boat off the rack.
Alexandria Yost (Swansea, Mass.) -
"The first thing that drew me to Sacred Heart was the academics. Before I considered playing a sport in college, I looked at schools that had my intended major and good academic credentials. I knew Sacred Heart provided a dual program that would allow me to go to PA School, as well as, study exercise science, which is the reason I was so drawn to the school."
Coach Luke's Report: Swansea's own Lexi will be lining up for us soon, but not soon enough. Her competitiveness and athleticism is everything we look for in a Pioneer. We think Lexi has found a new home here because she will fit right in with the team we have.
Saige Harper Paris 2024
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