Novice Recruits
Novice Women's Rowing
Michigan Rowing is recruiting athletes with experience in other sports to apply their skills and determination to the sport of rowing and become Big Ten and National Champions!
We are looking for tall, strong women for the 2025-26 season to continue the championship tradition of Michigan Rowing. If you are interested in learning more, apply here and contact Coach Emily.
• Novice Rowing Questionnaire
Important Dates
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, 7-8 p.m. -- First informational meeting
• Thursday, Aug. 14, 7-8 p.m. -- Second informational meeting
Note: Meetings to be held via Zoom
More Information
Contact Coach Emily Sugiyama (585) 734-1859
Consent and waiver forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Catalina
Echavarria
Gretel
Ham
Ava
Harrington
Megan
Higley
Madison
Matos
Why did you decide to row?
Catalina Echavarria: I decided to row because I was looking for a challenge and a way to stay involved in athletics. As a former high school rower, I was drawn to the intensity of the sport, the discipline it requires and the chance to be part of a tight-knit team. Transitioning to coxing at the collegiate level gave me all of that and more. It allowed me to experience the sport from a new perspective and continue growing in a different role.
Madison Matos: I chose to row because I sought a challenge and a sense of belonging within a community of high achievers driven by a relentless pursuit of goals. Rowing provided an opportunity to develop my character, pushing me to grow personally and learn valuable life lessons while simultaneously making a vast space feel intimate through shared dedication and camaraderie.
What do you enjoy most about being on the team?
Ava Harrington: Being a novice rower at Michigan has taught me to never limit myself because I can do so much more than I could have imagined. I learned to push boundaries and achieve my goals through pure discipline and perseverance. The best part about this experience, however, is that I got to do it with my best friends. A sport like rowing makes you really appreciate the people around you because of each individual's commitment and overall support for each other. It is so fulfilling to know that on such a large team, every single person looks out for one another and pushes each other to not only build strength and speed, but also character.
Megan Higley: I enjoy having the opportunity to challenge myself and my teammates every day during practice. Through consistent hard work and dedication to the journey of learning a new sport, I love seeing the small and large improvements I make to contribute to my boat getting faster and stronger! I also enjoy the focus Michigan Rowing places on creating the best version of yourself and preparing you to succeed in the future throughout your time as a rower.
What have you noticed about the team culture and being a part of Michigan Rowing?
Echavarria: The culture at Michigan Rowing is built on accountability, grit and support. Everyone holds each other to a high standard, both on and off the water, while also lifting each other up through challenges, both big and small. There's a strong sense of family. Teammates celebrate every win, big or small, and stand by each other no matter what. I couldn't ask for a better team to be part of.
Gretel Ham: The team culture at Michigan is incredibly supportive. Given the amount of time we spend together, the team has truly become a family. Everyone here wants you to be the best that you can, which would be very difficult to achieve without the immense support from teammates, coaches, academic advisors, trainers, and so many others. We are all different from each other but are able to work together and support one another to reach a collective goal. That is a really amazing thing to be a part of.
How has rowing affected your academics?
Echavarria: Rowing has actually improved my academic performance by forcing me to manage my time more effectively. With a demanding practice and travel schedule, I've learned to prioritize, stay organized and make the most of every moment. The discipline I've developed carries over into the classroom, and the academic resources available at Michigan have been incredibly helpful in balancing everything.
Higley: My academics have flourished while being on the rowing team. I have found that having limited time during the day to dedicate to my schoolwork has allowed me to be more efficient and productive with my time. I am able to manage my time and plan my studying around rowing practices and competitions in order to excel academically at a high level. In addition, I enjoy studying with my teammates every night since we are on the same rowing practice schedules and live together!
How would you describe your teammates?
Ham: I would describe my teammates as hard working, strong and capable. It is incredibly inspiring to show up to practice each day and see what everyone is capable of. One of the things I appreciate most about my teammates is that we push each other to be better in every aspect of life, not just in the boat.
Harrington: The bonds I have formed with my teammates are unbreakable. We've seen each other at our best and at our worst. Through every challenge and success, my teammates have been nothing but supportive and motivating. Being a novice means being among the most hardworking, disciplined and relentless teammates you could ask for. Learning a new sport together tests these traits but builds a friendship like no other.
What does it mean to be an athlete at Michigan and represent the Wolverines on the water?
Harrington: Being an athlete at Michigan is the most rewarding and valuable experience I will ever have. A Michigan athlete is motivated, focused and resilient in all aspects of life. It means being part of a family that pushes you to be your best and never lets you settle. Wearing the block M on the water makes me feel unstoppable, knowing I'm surrounded by the most driven and dedicated people I've ever known.
Matos: Rowing is more than a sport to me; it's a passion that fuels my drive every single day, and representing the Wolverines on the water is one of the greatest privileges one could have. The camaraderie among teammates, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the thrill of competition all combine to make an experience unlike anything else.
