Greenwich Crew delivered a commanding performance on the national stage at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships, held June 12–15 in Sarasota, Florida.
Widely regarded as the most competitive youth rowing event in the country, the regatta drew over 200 programs and more than 4,000 athletes from across the United States.
Amid this elite field, Greenwich Crew distinguished itself by capturing two national titles in the Men’s U16 and Women’s U17 eights and a bronze medal in the Women’s 4+, showcasing both the depth and rising talent of the program.
One of the most promising Greenwich boats, the Men’s Under 16 8+, delivered a powerhouse performance to claim gold and the national title in their division.
Skillfully led by coxswain Caroline Stowe, the boat featured a talented group of rowers: Daniel Lisboa Da Cunha De Freitas, Cristopher Pomara, Everett Andrews, Kai Licznerski, Ryan McDonald, Gabriel Bisio, Alessandro Baldinucci, and Edward Willott. The crew demonstrated poise and technical precision well beyond their years, dominating the field and crossing the finish line in championship form.
On the women’s side, the Women’s Under 17 8+ also surged to the top of the podium, earning a national championship title alongside their male counterparts. Coxswain Andrea Nguyen expertly guided her crew, who dominated the race from the start. Rowers Nuria Hoffman, Gabriela Estela, Maggie Barratt, Victoria Bergholt, Alexandra Laverge, Josephine Herman, Lily Higgins, and Madeleine Martin soared through a fast-paced final, crossing the finish line with a commanding lead. Their victory underscores the strength and depth of Greenwich Crew’s rising athletes, many of whom have years of racing still ahead of them.
In another skillful performance, the Women’s 4+ crew demonstrated both strategy and poise under pressure. After finding themselves behind at the halfway mark, the boat executed a calculated build through the third 500 meters, positioning themselves for a decisive sprint.
With coxswain Makayla Jaffe leading the strategy, and rowers Elia Amaro, Paulina Almy, Tessa Murphy, and Linnea Barrachin responding with grit and precision, the crew surged through the final 500 meters to secure the bronze medal.
In addition to the three crews that reached the podium, Greenwich Crew showcased the depth of their program with two other top-five finishes. The Women’s 1V8+ placed 5th nationally in the highly competitive varsity category, clocking a time of 6:41.24. The crew was expertly coxed by Saira Mitchell and included seasoned rowers Kaitlyn Droscoski, Liana Hoffman, Elizabeth Reid, Kateri Daly, Katharine Kerko, Elisabeth Schmitz, Lynn Gulli, and Margaret Owens. Similarly, the Men’s 2V8+ secured 5th place in the challenging 2V8+ division, finishing in 6:02.52. The boat was strategically coxed by Averi Israel and rowed with technical precision by Henry Lovejoy, Hunter Zeppelin, Tyler Hatstadt, Peter Murphey, Samuel Woody, Oliver Willott, Theodore Nestoros, and Sean McKenna.
“These performances reflect the culture of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that we strive to instill in every Greenwich Crew athlete,” said Paul Ruggeberg, Women’s Head Coach. “To see two of our youngest eights crowned as national champions and another boat rally for bronze shows that our program is building not just elite rowers, but courageous competitors.”
The USRowing Youth National Championships are the premier showcase for junior rowing in the United States, serving as the culminating regatta of the spring season. Qualification alone is a mark of distinction, with crews having to advance through their respective regional championships to earn entry.
“These results are a testament to the mindset our athletes bring to every practice and every race,” said Cary Wasserman, Men’s Head Coach. “Winning at the national level—especially with such young crews—takes more than strength; it takes maturity, trust, and the ability to execute under pressure. “What we saw in Sarasota, in every Greenwich Crew race, was the result of athletes who are meticulously prepared, mentally disciplined, and fully committed to racing with purpose and heart.”
With national titles now added to their growing list of achievements over the years, Greenwich Crew continues to set the bar for excellence in youth rowing.
Greenwich Crew, established in 2005, is a premier rowing organization with a rich history. Based in Greenwich, CT, Greenwich Crew fosters a community of athletes in an environment that is safe, challenging, and fun. Through hard work, integrity, and intentional inclusion, we strive to be the leading example of excellence in rowing.