Rowing Adds 30 More Signees in Spring Commitments for 2025-26

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State women's rowing coach Patrick Sweeney announced on Wednesday (May 14) the addition of 30 student-athletes to next season's 2025-26 roster.

"The incoming class has come together well. Our staff has done a good job recruiting throughout the year," Sweeney said. "Every year is a new opportunity to push the program forward and we're looking forward to seeing what the team accomplishes next."

"We are committed to our recruiting model, primarily recruiting out of sport athletes and building them into competitive rowers," Sweeney added. "We have found what works for our program and we are going to continue making the most of it."

A total of 51 women have signed to join the rowing team for the upcoming season. This new class of signees includes athletes primarily from Kansas and the surrounding areas.

"I am so excited for this group of commits for saying yes to this opportunity," assistant coach Lindsey DeVreugd said. "It will be so exciting to have them here in the fall and see what they can contribute to our team."

"We are very excited to welcome these athletes to our team! They will all represent K-State well and we can't wait to see what they do when they get to Manhattan!" graduate assistant coach Anna Ryan said.

The coaching staff continues to primarily recruit out of sport athletes with little to no prior rowing experience.

"Our team is a great group of young people who want to make the most of their time at K-State as both students and athletes," assistant coach Kennedy Felice said. "This incoming class is going to continue building on the legacy of K-State rowing and we are so excited to see what they do with this opportunity.

"This team is special in so many ways, and we cannot wait to see the impact that this group of commits will have once they are here."

Below is a brief description of each athlete in alphabetical order:

Regina Avila is on the lacrosse and swim teams at Francis Howell Central in St. Charles, Mo. "I decided to try K-State Rowing because my life has been impacted from being a part of a team and it's something I want to keep being a part of," Avila-Camarena said. "Working alongside another group of girls will encourage me to grow while gaining close friendships."

Megan Baker has previous experience, rowing for the last five years in Victoria, Minn., while also competing in track and field at Minnetonka High School. "I'm excited to be a D1 student athlete because it's an honor to compete at such a high level and be part of the K-State athletics community!" Baker said. "Being surrounded by dedicated teammates and coaches motivates me to work harder and grow as both an athlete and person."

Natalie Brenneman competes on the swimming and tennis teams at Salina South High School in Salina, Kan. "My swim coach always told me we only learn to be the best version of ourselves by becoming comfortable being uncomfortable," Brenneman said. "And I think that rowing is a new challenge I look forward to. I'm incredibly grateful for K-State and this opportunity."

Delaney Brinkley is a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and lacrosse at Palisade High in Palisade, Co. "I wanted to try something new and challenge myself to develop new skills and meet new people," Brinkley said. She is looking forward to gaining, "a whole new community of devoted and driven individuals that will push me to be my best and hold me accountable even on my toughest days."

Mary Jane Britz competes in track and field and golf at Prairie View High School in La Cygne, Kan. "I'm excited to be a D1 student-athlete because it allows me to compete at the highest collegiate level while also pursuing my education in Animal Science. It's a chance to develop discipline, time management and leadership skills, and to be surrounded by teammates who are also striving for the same goals," Britz said. "Joining the team will make my K-State experience more meaningful and impactful by being a part of a very close-knit community that supports each other daily, while on and off the water from the very first day."

Lily Dowell hails from Derby, Kan., at Derby High School. "I am excited to be a D1 student-athlete because it opens so many doors not only physically, but academically as well," Dowell said. "I am excited to be able to further my training at the best facility in Kansas and under coaches invested to seeing me improve and correct my mistakes along the way, as well as having access to dedicated study facilities stocked with resources, giving me the same support in the classroom as in the gym."

Ava Eeg is a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and soccer at Blue Valley Southwest in Overland Park, Kan. "I decided to try rowing because I was excited to try something new," Eeg said. "K-State Rowing will challenge me because I have never rowed before, and it will benefit me because I will get to meet new people and learn new skills!"

Quinn Fischer is a cheerleader at Gretna High in Gretna, Neb. "I decided to try rowing at K-State to have the opportunity to make new friends and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Fischer said. She added, "joining the rowing team will add to my K-State experience by benefiting my future and giving me opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise."

Avery Gammill is a tennis player at Blue Springs High in Blue Springs, Mo. "I'm excited to join this team because of their loving environment! From my visits so far, they have all seemed like amazing human beings!" Gammill said. "K-State Rowing will definitely challenge me as it is a completely new sport but overall, it's going to help grow me as a human being by helping me learn more about myself and grow my love of rowing!"

Maryann Hart is a multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, softball, and cross country/track, at Martensdale-St. Marys High School in Martensdale, Iowa. "Competing at the highest level in a sport is an honor and a privilege I am looking forward to pursuing," Hart said. "Competing at the D1 level is a work in itself, but also being able to balance it with academics will be a welcome challenge. Through these challenges I know that I will become the best version of myself."

Taylin Harthun is a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and track and field at West Grand High School in Kremmling, Co. "I decided to try rowing at Kansas State because of the potential friendships that I can make and the athletic opportunities available," Harthun said. "I am excited for the friendships that I will be able to make, as well as the structure that being a D1 athlete will give me."

Jadyn Hightower is a dual-sport athlete in softball and basketball at Prague High in Prague, Okla. "K-State Rowing can help me grow, both on and off the water. It's a great way to build teamwork skills, boost my fitness and develop discipline. It will benefit me in numerous ways," Hightower said. "By joining the rowing team, I think it will make my college experience even better, being surrounded by great girls and a team who is always there will make being at K-State amazing."

Olive Koerner competes in tennis and powerlifting at Gardner Edgerton High School in Gardner, Kan. "Becoming a Division I athlete is an unbelievable opportunity that comes with so many benefits; the most exciting being that I get to train alongside other dedicated athletes in top of the line training facilities with world class coaches," Koerner said. "Rowing will give me so many opportunities to grow not only as an athlete but as a person too. College can be challenging but rowing offers a great support system."

Jocelyn Lincoln is a dual-sport athlete in basketball and softball at Kearney High in Kearney, Mo. "I am excited to be a D1 student athlete for the new opportunities and challenges at a collegiate level," Lincoln said. "K-State Rowing will challenge me in a way of learning a new sport but will bring me a family and teach me to work hard through the difficulties of doing something new."

Bianca Marbarger is a cheerleader and Irish dancer at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis, Mo. "I'm excited and grateful to continue my journey as an athlete and all the amazing opportunities that K-State presents to their teams," Marberger said. "I thrive in a structured environment, and I do not back away from a challenge. I'm so excited to have a sisterhood [to] go through these challenges with. It is always a benefit to know that you have a group walking into something new with and I can't wait to see how far we can go together."

Ruby Mueller competes in track and field at Garden City High in Garden City, Kan. "I've always loved being part of a team and pushing myself physically. Rowing is a new challenge that will allow me to grow as an athlete while representing a school I'm proud to attend," Mueller said. "Being part of the team means instant community. It's a chance to be part of something bigger than myself while creating lifelong memories."

Kate Norris is a tennis player from Blue Springs, Mo., at Blue Springs High. "I'm excited to be a D1 student athlete because I know my coaches and teammates will push me to a new level!" Norris said. "I think rowing will challenge me mentally and physically, but through the challenges I believe I will become a more well-rounded individual." Norris adds that joining the team will provide an amazing community of women she's excited to be a part of.

Isabelle Peabody is a Manhattan, Kan., native and a three-sport athlete competing in volleyball, basketball and softball at Manhattan High. "I thought it would be good for me and a challenge to do something I've never tried before. I loved the coaches, teammates and atmosphere of K-State on my visit." Peabody said. "I love competing and being a part of a team. I've always wanted to compete at a high level!"

Faith Quave is part of the dance and drill team, the Majestics, at Emerson High School in McKinney, Texas. "Joining the team will deepen my connection to K-State by immersing me in school spirit and giving me a chance to represent the university," Quave said. "It will also encourage me to support other athletic and campus organizations, helping me build a full and meaningful college experience."

Mya Roberson competes in basketball and track and field at Momence High in Momence, Ill. "I am excited to see where this opportunity and a new sport can take me. I enjoyed my journey in high school with basketball and track and what each sport taught me. I've been fortunate to accomplish a lot as an athlete and student so far," Roberson said. "Rowing is a new challenge, and I look forward to learning and growing over the next four years under the guidance and mentorship of the coaches."

Jenna Roberts is on the track and field, dance, and cheer teams at Augusta High in Augusta, Kan. "I decided to try rowing because I wanted to challenge myself with something new while staying active at a high level. The team atmosphere and the opportunity to represent K-State drew me in right away," Roberts said. "K-State Rowing will challenge me to grow stronger, more disciplined and more resilient. It will teach me the value of teamwork and time management while helping me stay focused on both my academic and athletic goals."

Isabella Roche is a dual-sport athlete competing in volleyball and track and field at Tekamah-Herman High School in Tekamah, Neb. "I like to try new things and push myself to be the best I can. I think this will be an amazing experience that will teach me many new things and skills. I am sure I will love this new experience," Roche said. "I came from a small town that didn't have that many opportunities for the students to go places as a team, only as individuals. I think this would be a great experience for me."

Ella Rudy is a basketball player at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita, Kan. "I decided to do rowing because I wanted to try a new sport and I love being on the water. I am excited to be a D1 athlete because I love playing sports and I am very competitive," Rudy said. "Joining the rowing team will add to my K-State experience by helping me meet a new group of people."

Alexis Rutherford is a cheerleader and is on the track and field team in Topeka, Kan., at Hayden High School. "Joining the team will help me make the most of my college experience and find life long friends," Rutherford said. She added that rowing will help her "find new opportunities in the K-State community."

Bella Shumaker is on the tennis and wrestling teams in Leavenworth, Kan., at Leavenworth Senior High School. "I wanted to continue my athletics in a competitive setting while trying something new, K-State sent me a pamphlet and I thought 'why not?'" Shumaker said. "I think rowing will add to my K-State experience by allowing me to be a part of a community of smart and hardworking women, I'm excited to make friends with the girls on the team and learn from the upperclassmen and coaches."

Hailey Stoudt is a volleyball player and competes on the track and field team at Valley Heights High School in Waterville, Kan. "I decided to try out rowing not only because it would be a fun and new environment, but I also have had a lot of encouragement from my friends and certain family members that have done rowing in college before," Stoudt said. "K-State Rowing will challenge me to push my limits both mentally and physically. The intense training schedule and the commitment to teamwork would help me build resilience and will hopefully set me up for success in the future."

Macy Strobel is a three-sport athlete on the cross country, track and field and swim teams in Parkville, Mo., at Park Hill South High School. "I decided to try rowing at K-State because I love trying new things I am always trying to better myself and expand my horizons. I love being a part of a team and community!" Strobel said. "I am a high achieving person and I love to say yes to every opportunity. I loved participating in sports so much in high school and was super excited to have the opportunity to participate in college. I loved my visit and everything about it seemed like something I would love."

Abby Theiss is a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball and track and field at Christ Preparatory Academy in Shawnee, Kan. "Joining the team will add to my K-State experience by giving me a community of people that share the same goal and work hard with and for each other. I decided to try rowing because it's a new way I can challenge myself and I love being part of a team," Theiss said. She added that being a D1 student-athlete gives her support and a community at K-State.

Libby Trumpp is on the cross country and track and field teams at Buhler High School in Hutchinson, Kan. "I'm excited to be surrounded and surrounded by hardworking, strong girls. Learning a new activity is never easy, but it will show me I can do hard things," Trumpp said. She added that rowing "will give me a strong community like ones I had in high school."

Brookelyn Vande Loo is a volleyball player at Batavia High in Batavia, Il. "K-State Rowing will challenge me by pushing me physically and mentally and will benefit me by providing a disciplined and structured schedule for sports and academics," Vande Loo said. "Being a part of the rowing team will add to my experience at K-State by providing an instant group of friends and family like environment." 

-- k-statesports.com --

How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on the K-State Women's Rowing Team, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Kansas State University Athletics

Rowing Adds 30 More Signees in Spring Commitments for 2025-26

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