Rowing Adds 13 Student-Athletes to 2021 Recruiting Class
Mar 30, 2021 | Rowing
The 13-member class hails from five different states
MANHATTAN, Kan. – With the long-awaited racing season underway, the Kansas State women's rowing team and head coach Patrick Sweeney announced yet another group of committed incoming athletes on Monday (March 29).
The spring commitment group, much like the winter group, builds on the solid core of athleticism the team secured in November. The incoming class of Fall 2021 now numbers 38 future rowers. These athletes aim to set a new bar for base fitness, strength, flexibility, and hustle. This athletically diverse group comes to rowing with sport backgrounds covering a wide range of team and individual sports, yet none have ever before rowed competitively.
"(Hanna) Wiltfong and (Noelle) Dykmann continue to enhance our recruiting system and its working," said Sweeney. "Athletes from across the country are reaching out to our program because our athletes, our alumni and our recruiters believe in what we are doing. K-State Rowing does things grass roots. Finding the tough kids is step one. Beyond that, the endeavor of teaching rowing to an entire class every year creates an environment so unique that you have to see it to believe it."
The Wildcats have continued to clear the way 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. With athletes coming from many backgrounds, including non-rowing circumstances, K-State has relished the opportunity of turning gifted athletes into capable rowers on the water.
"Every athlete and family we interact with comes to the conversation with an open mind, a willingness to be challenged, and an understanding of our blue-collar work environment," said assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "Here, you learn it, you earn it. In a time when so many athletes are stepping away from sports because the uncertainty has become too great, these women and our current team, run at the challenge and opportunity of this experience. There is something magic here. You can feel it on the team, you can see it in this recruiting class."
The emphasis on junior recruiting has also paid dividends for K-State when searching for the next wave of rowers.
"Junior recruiting is ramping up and we are getting more and more excited about the batch of juniors who are leaning in," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "Rowing is a nonstop grind, and recruiting is too. This group of commitments demonstrates that we recruit like our athletes train - all in, all the time."
Battling through the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State has heightened its efforts to secure a better future in collegiate rowing with these commitments.
"This class is actively being built during a global pandemic, under absolutely, impossible recruiting conditions," said Wiltfong. "So, it makes sense, that against all odds, the K-State Rowing team has found a way."
Below is a list of the 13 newest commits to the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Tatum Alexander, from Scottsdale, Arizona, says, "Rowing at K-State will give me a second family and a community that loves to work hard! I am excited because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, with an amazing program and I get to be super fit at a school I love." At Desert Mountain High School, Alexander competes on the softball team.
Taryn Arnold comes to K-State from Fairbury, Nebraska. Arnold, who competes on the volleyball team at Fairbury High School, said, "I decided to take up the opportunity of rowing for Kansas State because I know it is an opportunity that if passed up, would leave me with regret in the future. I am very excited to be a D1 athlete because it isn't something just anybody can do."
Macy Bliss, a native of Wakefield, Kansas, says, "The rowing team has already made me feel so welcome, and I know that by being part of the team I will immediately have a great family of people surrounding me throughout my experience at K-State. Rowing will challenge me to work hard and push myself more than ever and will benefit me by becoming stronger and selfless for the team." At Chapman High School, Bliss competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Mary-Rourke Boyd is from Columbia, Missouri, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "the rowing team seems like a great group of girls and the program seems to have a super positive atmosphere. (She) thinks rowing will be a great way to keep (her) competitive edge in college. Not many people get to say they are a D1 student- athlete, and it will be a great way to stay accountable from a fitness, academic, and mindset standpoint." Boyd competes on the cross country and soccer teams at Fr. Tolton Catholic High School.
Morgan D'Albini comes to K-State from Spring Hill, Kansas. D'Albini will graduate from Spring Hill High School this May and has spent the majority of her competitive years riding horses. Shifting out of the arena and onto the water is an exciting turn of events for D'Albini who said, "Rowing will definitely be a physical challenge, but I'm super excited for that. I look forward to meeting girls who are in the same position as I am so that I can make a lot of new friends. Also, I am super excited for all the academic perks and the opportunity to travel to different states for competitions!"
Elizabeth Hamilton, from Saint Charles, Illinois, says, "I chose to try rowing because I like trying new things, competing with a team, water-based sports, and I'm not afraid to challenge myself. Having the chance to become a D1 athlete sounds like a dream, and it proves to me that when you put in hard work and determination you can accomplish these high levels of achievement and be given amazing opportunities. To be able to compete at this level sounds thrilling." At Saint Charles High School, Hamilton competes on the swimming and water polo teams.
Anna Ideus, who is from Beatrice, Nebraska, chose K-State rowing because "(She) has been excited to be a D1 student-athlete ever since (she) was a little girl, (she) always dreamt of competing at the college level and has always wanted to use (her) height for something other than reaching the top shelf!" Ideus competes at Beatrice High School where she plays on the volleyball team.
McKenna Johnson, from Shawnee, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing because I want to continue college sports and I want to continue to push myself." At both Christ Preparatory Academy and Kansas City Kansas Community College, Johnson competes on the volleyball and basketball teams.
Hailey Kelley, a native of Halstead, Kansas, says, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me next year because this program requires mental and physical strength and that will definitely benefit me in the classroom and for the rest of my life. It will challenge me by getting out of my comfort zone and pushing my mind and body to do the same." At Halstead High School, Kelley competes on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams.
Madison Kelsey comes to K-State from Olathe, Kansas, where she will graduate from Olathe East High School. Kelsey has trained as an elite dancer focused on Ballet for many years. That experience, paired with a bit of high school swimming, makes Kelsey look forward to the community she will become a part of with K-State Rowing. Kelsey says, "I have met some of my closest friends through the sports that I have participated in throughout my life. In addition to the community, challenging myself mentally and physically in a different way than I am used to will definitely benefit me in my experience at K-State."
Alexis Rohlfs, from Waverly, Nebraska, says, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me by allowing me to push myself to find my inner strength. The sport is very hard and by competing every day I can hope to improve myself along the way. K-State rowing will benefit me because it will push me to find what I am truly capable of as a person and student-athlete." At Waverly High School, Rohlfs competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Bailey Thorstenson, a native of Crystal Lake, Illinois has trained as an elite figure skater with Team USA for many years. Transitioning from the ice to the lake will be a unique challenge that Thorstenson is ready for. In a few short months, Thorstenson will graduate from Crystal Lake South High School and she says, "K-State Rowing will challenge me to find a way to balance both my athletics and academics. Rowing will add to my K-State experience by giving me a family of strong, motivated, and passionate girls."
Zoey Whorton is from McPherson, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "(she) loves a challenge, loves pushing (herself) and loves being part of a team." Whorton competes on the swimming team at McPherson High School.
The Wildcats, who are preparing for the main slate of the 2021 spring season, will return to action with the Sunshine State Invitational taking place April 2-3 in Sarasota, Florida.
"We look forward to the end of the NCAA Recruiting Dead Period so we can build on the success of this recruiting year next fall," said Dykmann.
K-State Rowing 2021-22 Early Commitment Group
The spring commitment group, much like the winter group, builds on the solid core of athleticism the team secured in November. The incoming class of Fall 2021 now numbers 38 future rowers. These athletes aim to set a new bar for base fitness, strength, flexibility, and hustle. This athletically diverse group comes to rowing with sport backgrounds covering a wide range of team and individual sports, yet none have ever before rowed competitively.
"(Hanna) Wiltfong and (Noelle) Dykmann continue to enhance our recruiting system and its working," said Sweeney. "Athletes from across the country are reaching out to our program because our athletes, our alumni and our recruiters believe in what we are doing. K-State Rowing does things grass roots. Finding the tough kids is step one. Beyond that, the endeavor of teaching rowing to an entire class every year creates an environment so unique that you have to see it to believe it."
The Wildcats have continued to clear the way 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. With athletes coming from many backgrounds, including non-rowing circumstances, K-State has relished the opportunity of turning gifted athletes into capable rowers on the water.
"Every athlete and family we interact with comes to the conversation with an open mind, a willingness to be challenged, and an understanding of our blue-collar work environment," said assistant coach Hanna Wiltfong. "Here, you learn it, you earn it. In a time when so many athletes are stepping away from sports because the uncertainty has become too great, these women and our current team, run at the challenge and opportunity of this experience. There is something magic here. You can feel it on the team, you can see it in this recruiting class."
The emphasis on junior recruiting has also paid dividends for K-State when searching for the next wave of rowers.
"Junior recruiting is ramping up and we are getting more and more excited about the batch of juniors who are leaning in," said assistant coach Noelle Dykmann. "Rowing is a nonstop grind, and recruiting is too. This group of commitments demonstrates that we recruit like our athletes train - all in, all the time."
Battling through the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State has heightened its efforts to secure a better future in collegiate rowing with these commitments.
"This class is actively being built during a global pandemic, under absolutely, impossible recruiting conditions," said Wiltfong. "So, it makes sense, that against all odds, the K-State Rowing team has found a way."
Below is a list of the 13 newest commits to the 2021 Fall recruiting class:
Tatum Alexander, from Scottsdale, Arizona, says, "Rowing at K-State will give me a second family and a community that loves to work hard! I am excited because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, with an amazing program and I get to be super fit at a school I love." At Desert Mountain High School, Alexander competes on the softball team.
Taryn Arnold comes to K-State from Fairbury, Nebraska. Arnold, who competes on the volleyball team at Fairbury High School, said, "I decided to take up the opportunity of rowing for Kansas State because I know it is an opportunity that if passed up, would leave me with regret in the future. I am very excited to be a D1 athlete because it isn't something just anybody can do."
Macy Bliss, a native of Wakefield, Kansas, says, "The rowing team has already made me feel so welcome, and I know that by being part of the team I will immediately have a great family of people surrounding me throughout my experience at K-State. Rowing will challenge me to work hard and push myself more than ever and will benefit me by becoming stronger and selfless for the team." At Chapman High School, Bliss competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Mary-Rourke Boyd is from Columbia, Missouri, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "the rowing team seems like a great group of girls and the program seems to have a super positive atmosphere. (She) thinks rowing will be a great way to keep (her) competitive edge in college. Not many people get to say they are a D1 student- athlete, and it will be a great way to stay accountable from a fitness, academic, and mindset standpoint." Boyd competes on the cross country and soccer teams at Fr. Tolton Catholic High School.
Morgan D'Albini comes to K-State from Spring Hill, Kansas. D'Albini will graduate from Spring Hill High School this May and has spent the majority of her competitive years riding horses. Shifting out of the arena and onto the water is an exciting turn of events for D'Albini who said, "Rowing will definitely be a physical challenge, but I'm super excited for that. I look forward to meeting girls who are in the same position as I am so that I can make a lot of new friends. Also, I am super excited for all the academic perks and the opportunity to travel to different states for competitions!"
Elizabeth Hamilton, from Saint Charles, Illinois, says, "I chose to try rowing because I like trying new things, competing with a team, water-based sports, and I'm not afraid to challenge myself. Having the chance to become a D1 athlete sounds like a dream, and it proves to me that when you put in hard work and determination you can accomplish these high levels of achievement and be given amazing opportunities. To be able to compete at this level sounds thrilling." At Saint Charles High School, Hamilton competes on the swimming and water polo teams.
Anna Ideus, who is from Beatrice, Nebraska, chose K-State rowing because "(She) has been excited to be a D1 student-athlete ever since (she) was a little girl, (she) always dreamt of competing at the college level and has always wanted to use (her) height for something other than reaching the top shelf!" Ideus competes at Beatrice High School where she plays on the volleyball team.
McKenna Johnson, from Shawnee, Kansas, says, "I decided to try rowing because I want to continue college sports and I want to continue to push myself." At both Christ Preparatory Academy and Kansas City Kansas Community College, Johnson competes on the volleyball and basketball teams.
Hailey Kelley, a native of Halstead, Kansas, says, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me next year because this program requires mental and physical strength and that will definitely benefit me in the classroom and for the rest of my life. It will challenge me by getting out of my comfort zone and pushing my mind and body to do the same." At Halstead High School, Kelley competes on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams.
Madison Kelsey comes to K-State from Olathe, Kansas, where she will graduate from Olathe East High School. Kelsey has trained as an elite dancer focused on Ballet for many years. That experience, paired with a bit of high school swimming, makes Kelsey look forward to the community she will become a part of with K-State Rowing. Kelsey says, "I have met some of my closest friends through the sports that I have participated in throughout my life. In addition to the community, challenging myself mentally and physically in a different way than I am used to will definitely benefit me in my experience at K-State."
Alexis Rohlfs, from Waverly, Nebraska, says, "K-State rowing will challenge and benefit me by allowing me to push myself to find my inner strength. The sport is very hard and by competing every day I can hope to improve myself along the way. K-State rowing will benefit me because it will push me to find what I am truly capable of as a person and student-athlete." At Waverly High School, Rohlfs competes on the volleyball and track and field teams.
Bailey Thorstenson, a native of Crystal Lake, Illinois has trained as an elite figure skater with Team USA for many years. Transitioning from the ice to the lake will be a unique challenge that Thorstenson is ready for. In a few short months, Thorstenson will graduate from Crystal Lake South High School and she says, "K-State Rowing will challenge me to find a way to balance both my athletics and academics. Rowing will add to my K-State experience by giving me a family of strong, motivated, and passionate girls."
Zoey Whorton is from McPherson, Kansas, and says she chose K-State Rowing because "(she) loves a challenge, loves pushing (herself) and loves being part of a team." Whorton competes on the swimming team at McPherson High School.
The Wildcats, who are preparing for the main slate of the 2021 spring season, will return to action with the Sunshine State Invitational taking place April 2-3 in Sarasota, Florida.
"We look forward to the end of the NCAA Recruiting Dead Period so we can build on the success of this recruiting year next fall," said Dykmann.
K-State Rowing 2021-22 Early Commitment Group
- Tatum Alexander, Scottsdale, Arizona, Desert Mountain High School
- Taryn Arnold, Fairbury, Nebraska, Fairbury High School
- 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
- Macy Bliss, Wakefield, Kansas, Chapman High School
- Jayden Brandt, Topeka, Kansas, Seaman High School
- Mary-Rourke Boyd, Columbia, Missouri, Fr. Tolton Catholic High School
- Ella Carlson, Olathe, Kansas, Olathe West High School
- Kyndall Clevenger, Clearwater, Kansas, Clearwater High School
- Morgan D'Albini, Spring Hill, Kansas, Spring Hill 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
- Elizabeth Hamilton, Saint Charles, Missouri, Saint Charles North High School
- Jenna Harvey, Baldwin City, Kansas, Baldwin High School
- Anna Ideus, Beatrice, Nebraska, Beatrice High School
- McKenna Johnson, Shawnee, Kansas, Christ Preparatory Academy/Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Hailey Kelley, Halstead, Kansas, Halstead High School
- Madison Kelsey, Olathe, Kansas, Olathe East 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
- Alexis Rohlfs, Waverly, Nebraska, Waverly High School
- Kendra Siefker, Independence, Missouri, Fort Osage High School
- Symone Simmons, Garden City, Kansas, Garden City High School
- Anna Staley, Lenexa, Kansas, St. James Academy
- Bailey Thorstenson, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Crystal Lake South High School
- Zoey Whorton, McPherson, Kansas, McPherson High School
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