Sweeney Adds 15 to 2022 Recruiting Class
Nov 22, 2021 | Rowing
MANHATTAN, Kan. – In the first of three commitment periods for the Kansas State rowing team, head coach Patrick Sweeney announced the addition of 15 student-athletes to the 2022 recruiting class.
The 2022 recruiting class consists of three commitment periods in the fall, winter, and spring. These athletes aim to set a new bar for base fitness, strength, flexibility, and hustle.
"The incoming class is shaping up well. This class has the potential to have a significant impact on our program. We are looking forward to the strength and athleticism that is being added to the team next year," stated Sweeney. "Our recruiting team (Assistant Coach Hanna Wiltfong and Assistant Coach Noelle Dykmann) have done an incredible job connecting with great athletes and helping bring them to this opportunity. They have done a great job pushing the program forward. I appreciate their dedication to the program and how much they do to continue building this team each year."
K-State has relished the opportunity of taking gifted athletes and building them into competitive rowers on the water. The Wildcats have continued to build a path for recruits who are interested in the experience of becoming a Division I athlete at one of the most hardworking rowing programs in the Midwest region.
"This class is reminding us just how fun in-person recruiting can be! These athletes are coming to the program with multi-sport backgrounds and incredible character," said Wiltfong. "This early commitment group is just the beginning, and we are proud of the speed, sportsmanship, and high academic standard they will add to the K-State Rowing team. Each and every athlete that commits to this program, does so knowing that rowing will be challenging. It is that courage that makes our program different. It is that bold competitiveness that drives K-State Rowing through teaching a new sport to competing, each year. These are well rounded athletes and great students, and we cannot wait to see what they can do in a boat. Bring on the challenge, bring on the Cats!"
The emphasis on junior recruiting has also paid dividends for K-State when searching for the next wave of rowers.
"I have had the opportunity to work with these athletes since their junior year," explained Dykmann. "It has been a privilege to connect with them over time. We navigated the challenges of virtual recruiting together and they continued to trust the process. It has been so rewarding to finally bring them to campus and see them commit to our program. Every year we look for athletes who are ready to rise to this challenge. It requires a strong work ethic and a high level of grit to find success in this program. Looking at this class so far, we are already seeing a high level of athleticism. This commitment group is high potential, and we are excited to see how they will add to the team."
Below is a list of all 15 commits to the 2022 recruiting class:
Stevi Cochran makes her way to Manhattan after competing with the Olathe West High School basketball team. The Lenexa, Kansas natives says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because it is a great opportunity to learn something new and represent Kansas State as an athlete. I also loved the coaches and the girls on the team so I'm so excited to get to know everyone."
Sylvia Cunningham was a three-sport athlete from Stanton, Nebraska competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. The Stanton High School alumni states, "Joining the team will add to my K-State experience because I will automatically start out with a family of people who are in the same boat as me, a group of girls who have never rowed before. It will also add a sense of normalcy and routine, that I find in high school doing sports, to my college life."
Ellie Erwin is the only commit with rowing experience. The Saint Henry District High School alumni competed in rowing in Walton, Kentucky. Erwin explains, "I already know how much I love being part of a team. The structure and community it adds to my life is unmatched. I know that being on the team will enhance my experience at K-State by always giving me that support I need."
Grace Hall, from Overland Park, Kansas, is not new to the sport community. Playing soccer and basketball at Mother of Divine Grace, Hall says, "K-State Rowing will challenge me and benefit me next year by placing me up against high caliber athletes that have the same goal as me. I will have to challenge myself daily to keep up the high standards and expectations that are required as a rower, but this hard work and discipline will serve me well through the rest of my life. The skills learned by being a disciplined athlete are valuable in every aspect of life."
Coming from Spring Hill, Kansas, Lorelei Harris played basketball and ran track and field at Spring Hill High School. Harris told K-State, "I know rowing will challenge me physically and mentally, but I am up for that challenge! I am hoping to learn a lot about myself and grow through this program."
Adding to the 2022 recruiting class is Jenna Hayes. Hayes comes from Abilene, Kansas and was on the basketball, volleyball, and softball team at Abilene High School. The Abilene local states, "Rowing will push my body to its limits, and it's a brand-new sport. The most challenging part I think will be learning the techniques of this new sport, and then trying to compete at a Division 1 level. The great things about rowing are having teammates and coaches that support me. I also have great access to tutors and places to study."
Emma Johnson played volleyball and basketball at Powell County High School. The Deer Lodge, Montana resident states, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I was looking for a new way to challenge myself and loved the feel of the campus and the program."
From Kansas City, Kansas, Julie Jones was a volleyball player and track and field athlete at Piper High School. The KC native states, "K-State Rowing is definitely going to push me out of my comfort zone, physically and mentally. This will be a major motivator for me, and I know I am going to grow so much with this program."
Anna Lively, from Norton, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I loved the atmosphere and sense of inclusion I felt on my visit. I am also excited because I think it will be a different type of challenge." Lively was a track and field participant and volleyball player at Norton Community High School.
Hannah Martisko ran cross country and track and field and played basketball at Inman High School. From Inman, Kansas, Martisko explains, "I have been involved with sports my whole life and I'm looking forward to continuing to do that in college. It's exciting to know that I will be a part of a great program like the Kansas State Women's Rowing team."
After competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field at Fairbury Jr. Sr. High School, Karly McCord comes to K-State from Fairbury, Nebraska. McCord says, "I decided to try rowing because I've wanted to attend K-State ever since 5th grade and this was my ticket there. I really was convinced once I went on my visit because everyone was so welcoming and super open about how they made their decisions to try rowing as well.
Sienna Pargiter-Walker was a four-sport athlete at Roaring Fork High School. The Carbondale, Colorado native participated in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field and states, "Joining the K-State rowing team will add to my experience by allowing me to participate in a team sport where I can find support in my coaches and teammates. It will also allow me to be immediately incorporated into K-State and be able to become a part of the wildcat family. It immediately brings you into an environment of support, friendship, and teamwork."
Izzy Ross, from St. Louis, Missouri, comes to K-State after competing in track and field as well as basketball at Clayton High School. Ross states, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me next year because it'll help me step out of my comfort zone mentally, socially, and physically!"
Makenzie Storm is from Webb City, Missouri and is no stranger to the water. After swimming at Webb City High School as well as playing volleyball, Storm explains, "I will be challenged mentally and physically but already being a part of a community entering college will be very beneficial."
From Baldwin City, Kansas and Baldwin City High School alumni, Emily Taylor is a former basketball and track and field athlete. Taylor says, "I am excited to be a D1 athlete because it gives me the opportunity to push myself to become the best athlete I can be and get to be a part of an impressive group of women."
The Wildcats will kick off the 2022 spring campaign on Saturday (March 5) at the OU Scrimmage in Norman, Oklahoma.
K-State Rowing 2022 Recruiting Class
For the latest on K-State Rowing, follow @kstatesports and @KStateROW on Twitter or on the team's Facebook page using the hashtag #KStateROW.
The 2022 recruiting class consists of three commitment periods in the fall, winter, and spring. These athletes aim to set a new bar for base fitness, strength, flexibility, and hustle.
"The incoming class is shaping up well. This class has the potential to have a significant impact on our program. We are looking forward to the strength and athleticism that is being added to the team next year," stated Sweeney. "Our recruiting team (Assistant Coach Hanna Wiltfong and Assistant Coach Noelle Dykmann) have done an incredible job connecting with great athletes and helping bring them to this opportunity. They have done a great job pushing the program forward. I appreciate their dedication to the program and how much they do to continue building this team each year."
K-State has relished the opportunity of taking gifted athletes and building them into competitive rowers on the water. The Wildcats have continued to build a path for recruits who are interested in the experience of becoming a Division I athlete at one of the most hardworking rowing programs in the Midwest region.
"This class is reminding us just how fun in-person recruiting can be! These athletes are coming to the program with multi-sport backgrounds and incredible character," said Wiltfong. "This early commitment group is just the beginning, and we are proud of the speed, sportsmanship, and high academic standard they will add to the K-State Rowing team. Each and every athlete that commits to this program, does so knowing that rowing will be challenging. It is that courage that makes our program different. It is that bold competitiveness that drives K-State Rowing through teaching a new sport to competing, each year. These are well rounded athletes and great students, and we cannot wait to see what they can do in a boat. Bring on the challenge, bring on the Cats!"
The emphasis on junior recruiting has also paid dividends for K-State when searching for the next wave of rowers.
"I have had the opportunity to work with these athletes since their junior year," explained Dykmann. "It has been a privilege to connect with them over time. We navigated the challenges of virtual recruiting together and they continued to trust the process. It has been so rewarding to finally bring them to campus and see them commit to our program. Every year we look for athletes who are ready to rise to this challenge. It requires a strong work ethic and a high level of grit to find success in this program. Looking at this class so far, we are already seeing a high level of athleticism. This commitment group is high potential, and we are excited to see how they will add to the team."
Below is a list of all 15 commits to the 2022 recruiting class:
Stevi Cochran makes her way to Manhattan after competing with the Olathe West High School basketball team. The Lenexa, Kansas natives says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because it is a great opportunity to learn something new and represent Kansas State as an athlete. I also loved the coaches and the girls on the team so I'm so excited to get to know everyone."
Sylvia Cunningham was a three-sport athlete from Stanton, Nebraska competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field. The Stanton High School alumni states, "Joining the team will add to my K-State experience because I will automatically start out with a family of people who are in the same boat as me, a group of girls who have never rowed before. It will also add a sense of normalcy and routine, that I find in high school doing sports, to my college life."
Ellie Erwin is the only commit with rowing experience. The Saint Henry District High School alumni competed in rowing in Walton, Kentucky. Erwin explains, "I already know how much I love being part of a team. The structure and community it adds to my life is unmatched. I know that being on the team will enhance my experience at K-State by always giving me that support I need."
Grace Hall, from Overland Park, Kansas, is not new to the sport community. Playing soccer and basketball at Mother of Divine Grace, Hall says, "K-State Rowing will challenge me and benefit me next year by placing me up against high caliber athletes that have the same goal as me. I will have to challenge myself daily to keep up the high standards and expectations that are required as a rower, but this hard work and discipline will serve me well through the rest of my life. The skills learned by being a disciplined athlete are valuable in every aspect of life."
Coming from Spring Hill, Kansas, Lorelei Harris played basketball and ran track and field at Spring Hill High School. Harris told K-State, "I know rowing will challenge me physically and mentally, but I am up for that challenge! I am hoping to learn a lot about myself and grow through this program."
Adding to the 2022 recruiting class is Jenna Hayes. Hayes comes from Abilene, Kansas and was on the basketball, volleyball, and softball team at Abilene High School. The Abilene local states, "Rowing will push my body to its limits, and it's a brand-new sport. The most challenging part I think will be learning the techniques of this new sport, and then trying to compete at a Division 1 level. The great things about rowing are having teammates and coaches that support me. I also have great access to tutors and places to study."
Emma Johnson played volleyball and basketball at Powell County High School. The Deer Lodge, Montana resident states, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I was looking for a new way to challenge myself and loved the feel of the campus and the program."
From Kansas City, Kansas, Julie Jones was a volleyball player and track and field athlete at Piper High School. The KC native states, "K-State Rowing is definitely going to push me out of my comfort zone, physically and mentally. This will be a major motivator for me, and I know I am going to grow so much with this program."
Anna Lively, from Norton, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I loved the atmosphere and sense of inclusion I felt on my visit. I am also excited because I think it will be a different type of challenge." Lively was a track and field participant and volleyball player at Norton Community High School.
Hannah Martisko ran cross country and track and field and played basketball at Inman High School. From Inman, Kansas, Martisko explains, "I have been involved with sports my whole life and I'm looking forward to continuing to do that in college. It's exciting to know that I will be a part of a great program like the Kansas State Women's Rowing team."
After competing in volleyball, basketball and track and field at Fairbury Jr. Sr. High School, Karly McCord comes to K-State from Fairbury, Nebraska. McCord says, "I decided to try rowing because I've wanted to attend K-State ever since 5th grade and this was my ticket there. I really was convinced once I went on my visit because everyone was so welcoming and super open about how they made their decisions to try rowing as well.
Sienna Pargiter-Walker was a four-sport athlete at Roaring Fork High School. The Carbondale, Colorado native participated in soccer, basketball, volleyball and track and field and states, "Joining the K-State rowing team will add to my experience by allowing me to participate in a team sport where I can find support in my coaches and teammates. It will also allow me to be immediately incorporated into K-State and be able to become a part of the wildcat family. It immediately brings you into an environment of support, friendship, and teamwork."
Izzy Ross, from St. Louis, Missouri, comes to K-State after competing in track and field as well as basketball at Clayton High School. Ross states, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me next year because it'll help me step out of my comfort zone mentally, socially, and physically!"
Makenzie Storm is from Webb City, Missouri and is no stranger to the water. After swimming at Webb City High School as well as playing volleyball, Storm explains, "I will be challenged mentally and physically but already being a part of a community entering college will be very beneficial."
From Baldwin City, Kansas and Baldwin City High School alumni, Emily Taylor is a former basketball and track and field athlete. Taylor says, "I am excited to be a D1 athlete because it gives me the opportunity to push myself to become the best athlete I can be and get to be a part of an impressive group of women."
The Wildcats will kick off the 2022 spring campaign on Saturday (March 5) at the OU Scrimmage in Norman, Oklahoma.
K-State Rowing 2022 Recruiting Class
- Stevi Cochran, Lenexa, Kansas, Olathe West High School
- Sylvia Cunningham, Stanton, Nebraska, Stanton High School
- Ellie Erwin, Walton, Kentucky, Saint Henry District High School
- Grace Hall, Overland Park, Kansas, Mother of Divine Grace
- Lorelei Harris, Spring Hill, Kansas, Spring Hill High School
- Jenna Hayes, Abilene, Kansas, Abilene High School
- Julie Jones, Kansas City, Kansas, Piper High School
- Emma Johnson, Deer Lodge, Montana, Powell County High School
- Anna Lively, Norton, Kansas, Norton Community High School
- Hannah Martisko, Inman, Kansas, Inman High School
- Karly McCord, Fairbury, Nebraska, Fairbury Jr. Sr. High School
- Sienna Pargiter-Walker, Carbondale, Colorado, Roaring Fork High School
- Izzy Ross, St. Louis, Missouri, Clayton High School
- Makenzie Storm, Webb City, Missouri, Webb City High School
- Emily Taylor, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin City High School
For the latest on K-State Rowing, follow @kstatesports and @KStateROW on Twitter or on the team's Facebook page using the hashtag #KStateROW.
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