NORFOLK, Va. -- The Old Dominion rowing program announced its 2022-23 recruiting class on Friday with 11 new faces joining the team ranging from transfers, to newcomers from the "757", from Canada and all across the United States.
ODU ASSISTANT COACH/RECRUITING COORDINATOR BRIAN REIFSNYDER ON CLASS
"It is with great pride that we welcome in this next generation of ODU Monarchs! This class of athletes comes to Old Dominion from all over, as close as our own backyard in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, or as far as our neighbors to the North in Canada, and everywhere in between. Regardless of where they come from, we're super confident that we will be able to carry the momentum of this past season forward into the future and start accomplishing even greater results soon!"
The 2022-23 ODU signees
Marie Ahern
Hometown: Geneva, Fla.
Former school: Young Harris College
Former club: North Orlando Rowing Club
Intended major: M.P.A public administration
"Why did I choose ODU?": Everyone on the team is so positive and I feel we will accomplish great things together.
Gillian Battersby
Hometown: Baldwinsville, N.Y.
High School/Club team: Baldwinsville Crew/Syracuse Chargers Rowing Club
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU because I fell in love with the campus, the people, and the individuality it had to offer. I could envision myself at my full potential here.
Lucy Brennan
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Former Team: Temple University
Club team: Three Rivers Youth Rowing
Intended major: Psychology
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU because of the supportive team energy and the amazing coaches!
Gabrielle Cook
Hometown: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
High School/Club Team: Ridley College Women's Rowing
Former School: University of Tulsa
Intended Major: Communications
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU for the incredible atmosphere both surrounding the team and academics, I'm looking forward to starting this journey with a wonderful group of women and so happy I can say I'm now officially a part of Monarch Nation!
Madeleine Enns
Hometown: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
High School Team: Eden High School
Club Team: St. Catharine's Rowing Club & South Niagara Rowing Club
Intended Major: Biology
"Why I chose ODU?": Everyone I spoke with at ODU was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The close-knit yet competitive team atmosphere and unique academic opportunities really excite me. I look forward to rowing at ODU this fall!
Ellen Gortz
Hometown: Norfolk, Va.
High School/Club Team: Maury Rowing Team, (head varsity coxswain)
Intended Major: Marine Biology
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU because the team seemed so close and it reminded me of my current team. I also love being close to the water!
Haven Habhab
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Former team: Kansas State University Rowing (I didn't have a high school or club team)
Intended Major: Business Undecided
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU because the school and the program are a great fit for me. From the start, ODU rowing has been very welcoming and joyful. As a military child, I moved around a lot and I enjoy diverse environments like the ODU rowing team and the school. I can't wait for next year! Go Monarchs!
Isabella "Bella" Peycelon
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
HS club/team: Coastal Virginia Community Rowing (CVCR)/Cox Crew Club
Intended major: biomedical sciences (pre-heath concentration)
"Why I chose ODU?": In addition to the B.S. to M.D program with EVMS, a fortune cookie. It's super cheesy, but around the time when I got my offer, I opened the fortune cookie and the inside said "pleasures await you by the seaside." I took it as a sign from the universe that ODU was the right choice for me.
Jenna Protacio
Hometown: Woodbridge Va.
High school/club team: Woodbridge Crew/ Prince William Rowing
Intended major: Sports management
"Why I chose ODU?": I loved the welcoming atmosphere and school traditions!
Afton Stahl
Hometown: Fairfax Va.
High School/Club Team: WTW Crew team
Intended Major: Marine Biology
"Why I chose ODU?": -I chose ODU because of the beautiful campus, incredible marine biology program, and the young crew team I can grow with.
Kinley Zink
Hometown: Clifton Park, NY
High School/Club Team: Shenendehowa Rowing
Former Team: University of Central Florida
Intended Major: Psychology
"Why I chose ODU?": I chose ODU because the atmosphere of the school and the team. The team is heading in a great direction under the coaching staff, and I did not want to miss the opportunity to be a part of it!
Rowing Welcomes 11-Member Recruiting Class For 2022
