K-State Adds 11 Commitments for 2021-22 Campaign
Jan 25, 2021 | Rowing
MANHATTAN, Kan. – A successful early signing period in November has carried over for the Kansas State women's rowing team, as head women's rowing coach Patrick Sweeney announced 11 new additions to the Fall 2021 roster on Monday (January 25), bringing the total number to 26.
"The continued recruiting efforts of (Hanna) Wiltfong and (Noelle) Dykmann have kept the door open to current high school seniors as they consider various college options," said Sweeney. "To recruit this way, our coaches remain consistent and available to the recruiting conversation year-round. This method is taxing but ultimately enables our program to remain a grass roots and developmental Division I opportunity. Teaching athletes this sport is both challenging and rewarding and I am pleased to welcome these additions to our Fall 2021 roster. This freshman class is becoming more and more impressive every month."
Recruiting never stops and this winter commitment group indicates an openness in high school athletes to considering new sports.
"The winter commitment period has been exciting as competitive athletes continue reaching out to the program," said assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "It has been fun to get to know these families and these athletes. I cannot wait to get to work with them next fall!"
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom over athletic programs around the nation, the Wildcats have continued to push forward in their efforts to recruit for the future of K-State rowing.
"My current focus is finding high potential, high school juniors," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "Seeing such a solid group of our recruited seniors in the Fall 2021 commitment group keeps me motivated and excited about the future of our program."
Below is a list of the 11 newest commitments to the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Kylee Barnett comes to K-State from Osawatomie, Kansas. Barnett, who competed in volleyball, basketball and swimming at Osawatomie High School, said, "I think K-State Rowing will challenge me physically in ways I haven't been pushed before. I believe that joining the rowing team is going to bring me many memories and friends along with putting me in the best shape I've been in."
Regan Barr, from Shawnee, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I love to try new things and get out of my comfort zone." At De Soto High School, Barr competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Chloe Daniels, who is from Grantville, Kansas, chose K-State rowing because "being a Division I athlete is a chance to challenge myself mentally and physically. I have been a Wildcat fan since I can remember, so it is extremely exciting to be able to represent the colors. Being on a competitive sports team isn't something that every student gets to experience, so I am extremely grateful to be able to do so." Daniels competes at Perry Lecompton High School where she plays volleyball and basketball.
Abby Dodd comes to K-State from Berthoud, Colorado, where she competes on the swimming and soccer teams at Berthoud High School. Dodd says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I was already planning on attending the university and I love sports so I really wanted to see if there was any way I could continue doing sports through college. After looking into the program and its history of success and just how unique it is, as an athlete I really wanted to challenge myself and try a new sport, meet new people, and just try a whole new experience!"
Halle Fee, a native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, says, "K-State Rowing will really push me physically and mentally, making me tougher and able to tackle any challenge. Joining the rowing team will allow me to meet new friends and be together with a team of girls who are working hard alongside of me and inspiring me." At Lee's Summit North High School, Fee competes on the basketball, lacrosse, and track and field teams.
Karadan Kirkpatrick, from Lee's Summit, Missouri, says, "I am excited to be a DI student-athlete because I will meet new people, be on a team, and be involved in many activities throughout my time. Rowing will challenge me to be a student first, while working out and managing my schedule." At Lee's Summit West High School, Kirkpatrick competes on the volleyball and soccer teams.
Jordan Kreps is from Overland Park, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "pursuing the opportunity of a new sport at a very high level will be a learning experience for me in many ways. I'll learn how to push myself harder than I ever have before, but I'll also be one of many girls who have never done this before and are willing to try it out in the hopes that it's a fit for them." Kreps competes in volleyball and soccer at Olathe East High School.
Sarah Ohlde, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, chose K-State Rowing because "(she) is excited to be a D1 student athlete because of the dedication required and resources included in being an athlete at K-State. This program will challenge (her) time-management skills and improve (her) mental and physical toughness." Her time at Shawnee Mission South High School includes her being a part of the swimming and cross-country teams.
Kay Pakkebier, from Phillipsburg, Kansas, says she decided to join the K-State rowing team because "(she) enjoys challenging (herself) and wanted to be part of a team that shares that same desire. Rowing will challenge (her) because (she) knows it takes lots of dedication, time, and effort. Meeting that challenge will be a benefit for (her) future." At Phillipsburg High School, Pakkebier competes on the basketball, volleyball, and track and field teams.
Virginia Perry comes to K-State from Leavenworth, Kansas. While at Leavenworth High School, Perry competes on the swimming and tennis teams. Perry says, "I loved watching videos of the rowing team and decided to give it a shot! K-State Rowing will give me a new range of goals to achieve in a new environment."
Kathryn Ralston, a native of Andover, Kansas, says, "I am excited because not everyone gets to be a D1 athlete and I also get to train at a high level. I think rowing will challenge my mental and physical strength, but it will also teach me a lot about myself." Ralston competes on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams at Andover High School.
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
Kylee Barnett, Osawatomie, Kansas, Osawatomie High School
Regan Barr, Shawnee, Kansas, De Soto 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
Chloe Daniels, Grantville, Kansas, Perry Lecompton High School
Abby Dodd, Berthoud, Colorado, Berthoud High School
Halle Fee, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit North High School
Faith Gates, Anthony, Kansas, Chaparral High School
Haven Habhab, Fort Campbell High School
Jenna Harvey, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin High School
Karadan Kirkpatrick, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit West High School
Jordan Kreps, Overland Park, Kansas, Olathe East High School
Gracyn McClain, Wichita, Kansas, Wichita High School East
Maddy Morgan, Basehor, Kansas, Basehor-Linwood High School
Sarah Ohlde, Overland Park, Kansas, Shawnee Mission South High School
Kay Pakkebier, Phillipsburg, Kansas, Phillipsburg High School
Virginia Perry, Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth High School
Kathryn Ralston, Andover, Kansas, Andover 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.
"The continued recruiting efforts of (Hanna) Wiltfong and (Noelle) Dykmann have kept the door open to current high school seniors as they consider various college options," said Sweeney. "To recruit this way, our coaches remain consistent and available to the recruiting conversation year-round. This method is taxing but ultimately enables our program to remain a grass roots and developmental Division I opportunity. Teaching athletes this sport is both challenging and rewarding and I am pleased to welcome these additions to our Fall 2021 roster. This freshman class is becoming more and more impressive every month."
Recruiting never stops and this winter commitment group indicates an openness in high school athletes to considering new sports.
"The winter commitment period has been exciting as competitive athletes continue reaching out to the program," said assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "It has been fun to get to know these families and these athletes. I cannot wait to get to work with them next fall!"
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom over athletic programs around the nation, the Wildcats have continued to push forward in their efforts to recruit for the future of K-State rowing.
"My current focus is finding high potential, high school juniors," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "Seeing such a solid group of our recruited seniors in the Fall 2021 commitment group keeps me motivated and excited about the future of our program."
Below is a list of the 11 newest commitments to the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Kylee Barnett comes to K-State from Osawatomie, Kansas. Barnett, who competed in volleyball, basketball and swimming at Osawatomie High School, said, "I think K-State Rowing will challenge me physically in ways I haven't been pushed before. I believe that joining the rowing team is going to bring me many memories and friends along with putting me in the best shape I've been in."
Regan Barr, from Shawnee, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I love to try new things and get out of my comfort zone." At De Soto High School, Barr competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Chloe Daniels, who is from Grantville, Kansas, chose K-State rowing because "being a Division I athlete is a chance to challenge myself mentally and physically. I have been a Wildcat fan since I can remember, so it is extremely exciting to be able to represent the colors. Being on a competitive sports team isn't something that every student gets to experience, so I am extremely grateful to be able to do so." Daniels competes at Perry Lecompton High School where she plays volleyball and basketball.
Abby Dodd comes to K-State from Berthoud, Colorado, where she competes on the swimming and soccer teams at Berthoud High School. Dodd says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I was already planning on attending the university and I love sports so I really wanted to see if there was any way I could continue doing sports through college. After looking into the program and its history of success and just how unique it is, as an athlete I really wanted to challenge myself and try a new sport, meet new people, and just try a whole new experience!"
Halle Fee, a native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, says, "K-State Rowing will really push me physically and mentally, making me tougher and able to tackle any challenge. Joining the rowing team will allow me to meet new friends and be together with a team of girls who are working hard alongside of me and inspiring me." At Lee's Summit North High School, Fee competes on the basketball, lacrosse, and track and field teams.
Karadan Kirkpatrick, from Lee's Summit, Missouri, says, "I am excited to be a DI student-athlete because I will meet new people, be on a team, and be involved in many activities throughout my time. Rowing will challenge me to be a student first, while working out and managing my schedule." At Lee's Summit West High School, Kirkpatrick competes on the volleyball and soccer teams.
Jordan Kreps is from Overland Park, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "pursuing the opportunity of a new sport at a very high level will be a learning experience for me in many ways. I'll learn how to push myself harder than I ever have before, but I'll also be one of many girls who have never done this before and are willing to try it out in the hopes that it's a fit for them." Kreps competes in volleyball and soccer at Olathe East High School.
Sarah Ohlde, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, chose K-State Rowing because "(she) is excited to be a D1 student athlete because of the dedication required and resources included in being an athlete at K-State. This program will challenge (her) time-management skills and improve (her) mental and physical toughness." Her time at Shawnee Mission South High School includes her being a part of the swimming and cross-country teams.
Kay Pakkebier, from Phillipsburg, Kansas, says she decided to join the K-State rowing team because "(she) enjoys challenging (herself) and wanted to be part of a team that shares that same desire. Rowing will challenge (her) because (she) knows it takes lots of dedication, time, and effort. Meeting that challenge will be a benefit for (her) future." At Phillipsburg High School, Pakkebier competes on the basketball, volleyball, and track and field teams.
Virginia Perry comes to K-State from Leavenworth, Kansas. While at Leavenworth High School, Perry competes on the swimming and tennis teams. Perry says, "I loved watching videos of the rowing team and decided to give it a shot! K-State Rowing will give me a new range of goals to achieve in a new environment."
Kathryn Ralston, a native of Andover, Kansas, says, "I am excited because not everyone gets to be a D1 athlete and I also get to train at a high level. I think rowing will challenge my mental and physical strength, but it will also teach me a lot about myself." Ralston competes on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams at Andover High School.
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
Kylee Barnett, Osawatomie, Kansas, Osawatomie High School
Regan Barr, Shawnee, Kansas, De Soto 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
Chloe Daniels, Grantville, Kansas, Perry Lecompton High School
Abby Dodd, Berthoud, Colorado, Berthoud High School
Halle Fee, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit North High School
Faith Gates, Anthony, Kansas, Chaparral High School
Haven Habhab, Fort Campbell High School
Jenna Harvey, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin High School
Karadan Kirkpatrick, Lee's Summit, Missouri, Lee's Summit West High School
Jordan Kreps, Overland Park, Kansas, Olathe East High School
Gracyn McClain, Wichita, Kansas, Wichita High School East
Maddy Morgan, Basehor, Kansas, Basehor-Linwood High School
Sarah Ohlde, Overland Park, Kansas, Shawnee Mission South High School
Kay Pakkebier, Phillipsburg, Kansas, Phillipsburg High School
Virginia Perry, Leavenworth, Kansas, Leavenworth High School
Kathryn Ralston, Andover, Kansas, Andover 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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