UCF rowing commit Rachael Klunder has been named the 2012 Junior Female Sculler of the Year by Rowing Canada Aviron, the organization announced at its conference Jan. 26-27, in Vancouver, B.C.

A native of Smithville, Ontario, Klunder rows for the South Niagara Rowing Club and won the award for her victory in the Senior Women's Single event at the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association (CSSRA) Championships in June while competing for her high school, E.L. Crossley Secondary School.

Rachael will be enrolling at UCF this summer and will compete for the Knights in the 2013-2014 rowing season.

John Herdman, coach of Canada's 2012 bronze medal women's Olympic soccer team was the guest presenter. The event also included presentations by national coaches and top sports scientists. Special guests included 2012 Olympians, the Minister of State (Sport), Bal Gosal, and past Olympic medalists.

The UCF rowing team opens up its season with an exhibition Feb. 9 against Michigan in Sarasota, Fla.