ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF rowing team hosts Miami on Saturday, in the final home race of the season.
The Knights will open the racing on Lake Pickett with the Varsity Eight at 8 a.m. The Second Varsity Eight will follow at 8:20 a.m. and the Varsity Four will race at 8:40 a.m. The Third Varsity Eight is slated for a 9 a.m. race, followed by the Second Varsity Four at 9:20 a.m.
Following the race, UCF will recognize its 10 senior members. The Class of 2017 combined for back-to-back American Athletic Conference Championships, earning the program's first in 2015 and defending the title in 2016. The Black and Gold made the program's first team appearance at the 2015 NCAA Championships and returned for a second appearance in 2016.
UCF Seniors on what UCF Rowing means to them
Lauren Aiello: "UCF Rowing has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and push myself to new limits on and off the water. I'm proud to say I was a part of the UCF rowing program."
Jasmine Blais: "Rowing has been a crucial central pillar in my life that has allowed me to become the strong and able woman that I am today. I've grown so much on a personal and professional level, and I am grateful for the life lessons and individuals who have shaped me along the way."
Ashleigh Boyd: "Outside of academics, rowing is the most important foundation to my college experience at UCF. I have great teammates and lifelong friends, great coaches and support systems, two championships, and a greater pride in my school as a whole."
Olivia Hecimovich: "UCF Rowing is my second family. It has provided me a home while I am away from my family. It has allowed me to see the world in my own perspective, and helped me understand the importance of a team. We are greater together."
Rachael Klunder: "UCF Rowing has helped me strive to be the best version of myself each and every day. I am so thankful for the lifetime teammates and friends I have made along the way. This unique university and championship team has created a firm platform to succeed in anything I put my mind to, and for that I am very grateful."
Anna Mahoney: "Being on the UCF rowing team has taught me to accept things as they are."
Danielle Mikell: "To me, UCF Rowing is a place where young women come together in pursuit of a common goal. In that pursuit, friendships are formed, grit is found and leaders are born."
Jazmin Sepulveda: "UCF Rowing has brought me many shared experiences and emotions. The entire season is for one goal and knowing that each rower is working toward that is assuring."
Danielle Taylor: "UCF Rowing has honestly meant the world to me. As a 5-2 rower, I wasn't the top athlete that coaches were looking to recruit. However, Coach Becky took a chance on me, and for that I am forever grateful. She gave me the opportunity to come to this beautiful school, be part of this amazing team that has become my family, be part of something bigger than myself, and the opportunity to push myself to new limits. I'm honored to be a UCF athlete, and I hope I will be able to leave this program even better than it was my freshman year."
Kristen Taylor: "UCF Rowing is my life."
Schedule of Events
6:30 a.m. Coaches/Coxswain Meeting
8:00a.m. Varsity 8
8:20 a.m. Second Varsity 8
8:40 a.m. Varsity 4
9:00 a.m. Third Varsity 8
9:20 a.m. Second Varsity 4