Kansas State University Athletics
Women’s Rowing Announces 15 Commitments for 2021-22 Campaign
Nov 16, 2020 | Rowing
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head women's rowing coach Patrick Sweeney announced the addition of 15 rowers to the Fall 2021 roster on Monday (November 16).
"Times are more uncertain for education and athletics and even more so for recruits considering a new sport," said head coach Patrick Sweeney. "Without the ability to invite new recruits to see our team in action, I have to applaud the athletes and our coaching staff for their adaptability, which started back in March. Coaches Noelle (Dykmann) and Hanna (Wiltfong) adjusted quickly to the NCAA recruiting dead period and as a result, we have a solid early commitment class."
Even with the cancellation of the 2020 spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State has maneuvered through these uncertain times in college athletics to bring in another star-studded class of student-athletes.
"This year we had a strong class of rising seniors and we weren't going to let COVID-19 stop us from connecting these athletes with the Division I opportunity they deserved," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "I feel that we became more intentional and even more consistent, which helped these athletes to solidify their commitment to our program."
Dykmann also explained that the current team has taken the difficult situation head on and it has shown over the last few months.
"I would also like to commend the current team," said Dykmann. "We say it takes a team to build a team, and COVID-19 showed us that our current athletes are just as invested in the future as we are as recruiters."
For these Wildcats, competing in a sport such as rowing takes a certain mindset to perform at a high level, which is why the K-State Rowing coaching staff believes these incoming student-athletes will fit right into the program and its values.
"Every single class of incoming rowing commits has taught us that there are brave high school females out there who want to be challenged by a high-performance environment," stated assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "I am proud of this early commitment group and I believe they will add incredible character and competition to our team."
Below is a list of all 15 commits of the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Lindsey Antonowich comes to K-State from Newton, Kansas. While at Newton High School, Antonowich played volleyball, basketball and track and field. Antonowich says, "I knew I wanted to play sports in college and rowing is a great way to make friends and compete at the Division I level. I've never done rowing before, so it will be a lot of work to start a new sport, which will teach me even more determination."
Madie Barrett comes to K-State from Springfield, Missouri. During her time at Kickapoo High School, Barrett played basketball and tennis. Barrett says, "I am excited to be a Division I athlete because the pride of representing K-State is thrilling to consider. The facilities that are available to athletes are outstanding."
Olivia Berens, who is from Lee's Summit, Missouri, chose K-State rowing because "joining the rowing team will allow (her) to contribute to a great school by staying competitive, being physically fit, and being socially engaged in the Wildcat community." Berens plays tennis at Lee's Summit West High School.
Jayden Brandt comes to K-State from Topeka, Kansas, where she competes on the volleyball team at Seaman High School. Brandt states, "Rowing will challenge my time management skills and I feel like that will help me with life in general."
Ella Carlson, a native of Olathe, Kansas, chose K-State because "rowing is one of the toughest sports physically and mentally, and (she) loves the competition aspect of the sport." Carlson went on to say, "I am excited to become a part of the 'Cats family and to not only be observing it as a student, but to also participate in representing my school as an athlete." Her time at Olathe West High School includes her being a part of the volleyball and track and field teams while also competing in boxing.
Kyndall Clevenger is from Clearwater, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "rowing will push (her) body to the limits while also showing (her) work ethic. Rowing will also help (her) meet new people and make a lot of new friends." Clevenger competes in volleyball, basketball, softball, and cross country at Clearwater High School.
Faith Gates, from Anthony, Kansas, says she chose K-State because "joining the rowing team will add to (her) K-State experience by giving (her) something to work for through the year. It will challenge (her) to work hard and enable (her) to show (her) competitive spirit." At Chaparral High School, Gates competes on the basketball and volleyball teams.
Haven Habhab, as a member of a military family, has moved 11 times in her lifetime. She comes to K-State from Fort Campbell High School in Fort Campbell, Tennessee. Habhab competes in basketball, volleyball, and tennis. She says, "K-State is another home to me. It's more than just a college, it is a family. I bleed purple and I could not imagine attending or rowing anywhere else."
Jenna Harvey, a native of Baldwin City, Kansas, says, "learning to play a sport (she) knows nothing about will be a huge challenge, but (she) knows the benefits of competing and being a part of a team will make it worth it." At Baldwin High School, Harvey competes on the basketball, tennis and track and field teams.
Gracyn McClain comes to K-State from Wichita, Kansas. While at Wichita East High School, McClain played volleyball. McClain says she chose K-State because "(she) loves being pushed and (she) knows she will be with K-State Rowing. (She) is excited to be a student-athlete because (she) will get to compete in some way every single day."
Maddy Morgan comes to K-State from Basehor, Kansas, where she competes on the soccer and powerlifting teams at Basehor-Linwood High School. Morgan states, "K-State will challenge me mentally and physically. I am trying a sport I have never been involved with, and that in in itself is a huge challenge. Also, the rowing team will add so much to my experience at K-State. I will get to be a part of a team, meet new people, make new friends and make memories that I will remember forever!"
Kendra Siefker, an Independence, Missouri native, comes to K-State after competing in volleyball and track and field at Fort Osage High School. Siefker chose the Wildcats because "rowing will challenge (her) to get out of (her) comfort zone both mentally and physically, and it will benefit (her) because (she'll) be surrounded by women who are determined and driven to be the best versions of themselves."
Symone Simmons, a product of Garden City, Kansas, comes to K-State from Garden City High School. Simmons is involved with the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. She says, "K-State Rowing will challenge and benefit (her) mentally and physically. Rowing will help (her) build into the person and athlete she wants to become. Rowing will show (her) what a tight-knit family is all about and help (her) become something bigger than (herself)."
Anna Staley joins the Wildcats from Lenexa, Kansas. While at St. James Academy, Staley competed in both basketball and softball. Staley says, "I'm excited to join the K-State Rowing family because I think it will act as a second home. I have watched my older sister play basketball in college and have seen the friendships she has made while being on a team, and that is something I want in college!"
Taylor Strickland, a Junction City, Kansas native, plays volleyball and softball at Junction City High School. She chose K-State because "(she) wanted to try rowing. (She) likes being a part of a team and likes to be challenged."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildcats 2020-21 season is still being evaluated and is currently under consideration by university and conference officials.
K-State Rowing 2021-22 Early Commitment Group
Lindsey Antonowich, Newton, Kansas, Newton High School
Madie Barrett, Springfield, Missouri, Kickapoo High School
Olivia Berens, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit West High School
Jayden Brandt, Topeka, Kansas, Seaman High School
Ella Carlson, Olathe, Kansas, Olathe West High School
Kyndall Clevenger, Clearwater, Kansas, Clearwater High School
Faith Gates, Anthony, Kansas, Chaparral High School
Haven Habhab, Fort Campbell High School
Jenna Harvey, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin High School
Gracyn McClain, Wichita, Kansas, Wichita High School East
Maddy Morgan, Basehor, Kansas, Basehor-Linwood High School
Kendra Siefker, Independence, Missouri, Fort Osage High School
Symone Simmons, Garden City, Kansas, Garden City High School
Taylor Strickland, Junction City, Kansas, Junction City High School
Anna Staley, Lenexa, Kansas, St. James Academy
For the latest on K-State Rowing, follow @kstatesports and @KStateROW on Twitter or on the team's Facebook page.
"Times are more uncertain for education and athletics and even more so for recruits considering a new sport," said head coach Patrick Sweeney. "Without the ability to invite new recruits to see our team in action, I have to applaud the athletes and our coaching staff for their adaptability, which started back in March. Coaches Noelle (Dykmann) and Hanna (Wiltfong) adjusted quickly to the NCAA recruiting dead period and as a result, we have a solid early commitment class."
Even with the cancellation of the 2020 spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State has maneuvered through these uncertain times in college athletics to bring in another star-studded class of student-athletes.
"This year we had a strong class of rising seniors and we weren't going to let COVID-19 stop us from connecting these athletes with the Division I opportunity they deserved," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "I feel that we became more intentional and even more consistent, which helped these athletes to solidify their commitment to our program."
Dykmann also explained that the current team has taken the difficult situation head on and it has shown over the last few months.
"I would also like to commend the current team," said Dykmann. "We say it takes a team to build a team, and COVID-19 showed us that our current athletes are just as invested in the future as we are as recruiters."
For these Wildcats, competing in a sport such as rowing takes a certain mindset to perform at a high level, which is why the K-State Rowing coaching staff believes these incoming student-athletes will fit right into the program and its values.
"Every single class of incoming rowing commits has taught us that there are brave high school females out there who want to be challenged by a high-performance environment," stated assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "I am proud of this early commitment group and I believe they will add incredible character and competition to our team."
Below is a list of all 15 commits of the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Lindsey Antonowich comes to K-State from Newton, Kansas. While at Newton High School, Antonowich played volleyball, basketball and track and field. Antonowich says, "I knew I wanted to play sports in college and rowing is a great way to make friends and compete at the Division I level. I've never done rowing before, so it will be a lot of work to start a new sport, which will teach me even more determination."
Madie Barrett comes to K-State from Springfield, Missouri. During her time at Kickapoo High School, Barrett played basketball and tennis. Barrett says, "I am excited to be a Division I athlete because the pride of representing K-State is thrilling to consider. The facilities that are available to athletes are outstanding."
Olivia Berens, who is from Lee's Summit, Missouri, chose K-State rowing because "joining the rowing team will allow (her) to contribute to a great school by staying competitive, being physically fit, and being socially engaged in the Wildcat community." Berens plays tennis at Lee's Summit West High School.
Jayden Brandt comes to K-State from Topeka, Kansas, where she competes on the volleyball team at Seaman High School. Brandt states, "Rowing will challenge my time management skills and I feel like that will help me with life in general."
Ella Carlson, a native of Olathe, Kansas, chose K-State because "rowing is one of the toughest sports physically and mentally, and (she) loves the competition aspect of the sport." Carlson went on to say, "I am excited to become a part of the 'Cats family and to not only be observing it as a student, but to also participate in representing my school as an athlete." Her time at Olathe West High School includes her being a part of the volleyball and track and field teams while also competing in boxing.
Kyndall Clevenger is from Clearwater, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "rowing will push (her) body to the limits while also showing (her) work ethic. Rowing will also help (her) meet new people and make a lot of new friends." Clevenger competes in volleyball, basketball, softball, and cross country at Clearwater High School.
Faith Gates, from Anthony, Kansas, says she chose K-State because "joining the rowing team will add to (her) K-State experience by giving (her) something to work for through the year. It will challenge (her) to work hard and enable (her) to show (her) competitive spirit." At Chaparral High School, Gates competes on the basketball and volleyball teams.
Haven Habhab, as a member of a military family, has moved 11 times in her lifetime. She comes to K-State from Fort Campbell High School in Fort Campbell, Tennessee. Habhab competes in basketball, volleyball, and tennis. She says, "K-State is another home to me. It's more than just a college, it is a family. I bleed purple and I could not imagine attending or rowing anywhere else."
Jenna Harvey, a native of Baldwin City, Kansas, says, "learning to play a sport (she) knows nothing about will be a huge challenge, but (she) knows the benefits of competing and being a part of a team will make it worth it." At Baldwin High School, Harvey competes on the basketball, tennis and track and field teams.
Gracyn McClain comes to K-State from Wichita, Kansas. While at Wichita East High School, McClain played volleyball. McClain says she chose K-State because "(she) loves being pushed and (she) knows she will be with K-State Rowing. (She) is excited to be a student-athlete because (she) will get to compete in some way every single day."
Maddy Morgan comes to K-State from Basehor, Kansas, where she competes on the soccer and powerlifting teams at Basehor-Linwood High School. Morgan states, "K-State will challenge me mentally and physically. I am trying a sport I have never been involved with, and that in in itself is a huge challenge. Also, the rowing team will add so much to my experience at K-State. I will get to be a part of a team, meet new people, make new friends and make memories that I will remember forever!"
Kendra Siefker, an Independence, Missouri native, comes to K-State after competing in volleyball and track and field at Fort Osage High School. Siefker chose the Wildcats because "rowing will challenge (her) to get out of (her) comfort zone both mentally and physically, and it will benefit (her) because (she'll) be surrounded by women who are determined and driven to be the best versions of themselves."
Symone Simmons, a product of Garden City, Kansas, comes to K-State from Garden City High School. Simmons is involved with the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. She says, "K-State Rowing will challenge and benefit (her) mentally and physically. Rowing will help (her) build into the person and athlete she wants to become. Rowing will show (her) what a tight-knit family is all about and help (her) become something bigger than (herself)."
Anna Staley joins the Wildcats from Lenexa, Kansas. While at St. James Academy, Staley competed in both basketball and softball. Staley says, "I'm excited to join the K-State Rowing family because I think it will act as a second home. I have watched my older sister play basketball in college and have seen the friendships she has made while being on a team, and that is something I want in college!"
Taylor Strickland, a Junction City, Kansas native, plays volleyball and softball at Junction City High School. She chose K-State because "(she) wanted to try rowing. (She) likes being a part of a team and likes to be challenged."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wildcats 2020-21 season is still being evaluated and is currently under consideration by university and conference officials.
K-State Rowing 2021-22 Early Commitment Group
Lindsey Antonowich, Newton, Kansas, Newton High School
Madie Barrett, Springfield, Missouri, Kickapoo High School
Olivia Berens, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit West High School
Jayden Brandt, Topeka, Kansas, Seaman High School
Ella Carlson, Olathe, Kansas, Olathe West High School
Kyndall Clevenger, Clearwater, Kansas, Clearwater High School
Faith Gates, Anthony, Kansas, Chaparral High School
Haven Habhab, Fort Campbell High School
Jenna Harvey, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin High School
Gracyn McClain, Wichita, Kansas, Wichita High School East
Maddy Morgan, Basehor, Kansas, Basehor-Linwood High School
Kendra Siefker, Independence, Missouri, Fort Osage High School
Symone Simmons, Garden City, Kansas, Garden City High School
Taylor Strickland, Junction City, Kansas, Junction City High School
Anna Staley, Lenexa, Kansas, St. James Academy
For the latest on K-State Rowing, follow @kstatesports and @KStateROW on Twitter or on the team's Facebook page.
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