Louisville Rowing Announces Fall Recruiting Class
December 05, 2013 | Rowing
Dec. 5, 2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville women's rowing team has announced the signing of nine future Cardinals during the November signing period.
Head coach Derek Copeland and the entire Louisville coaching staff could not be more excited about the group of athletes joining the team in the fall of 2014. The coaches describe this class as a hardworking and motivated group of athletes that will have a major impact on the team in the upcoming rowing seasons.
The Louisville rowing program's graduating class of 2018 includes Mari Catharine Gillis, Kirsti Harrison, Callie McGowan, Elizabeth Patrick, Sarah Podwojski, Caitlin Ponko, Hannah Richardson, Leah Stump and Rebecca Yaklic.
"This is one of the best recruiting classes we've had so far," said Copeland. "Their unlimited potential, work ethic and positive attitudes will add another dynamic to the team."
"I'm really excited about this group of athletes," said Louisville assistant coach Sarah McIlduff. "They are really going to add some serious speed to the team, not only on the water, but in all facets of what it means to be a student-athlete at the University of Louisville.
Louisville Rowing Recruiting Class (Graduating class of 2018)
Mari Catharine Gillis
Mari Catharine Gillis
Hometown: Manhasset, N.Y.
Club: Manhasset
Height: 5-9
Profile: Mari Catharine is a strong competitor with great boatmanship. She most recently placed 10th at the Head of the Charles in the women's 4+ and is excited to join the Cards next year.
Coach Copeland on Gillis: "As soon as she stepped into the boathouse, she knew and we knew that she was the right type of athlete for us. She has a great attitude, loves to work hard and knows what it takes to row at the DI level. We are excited to see her develop and make an impact at Louisville."
Kirsti Harrison
Kirsti Harrison
Hometown: Belmont, Mich.
Club: Rockford
Height: 5-10
Profile: Harrison rows out of Rockford where the winters are cold and the erg season is long. She knows what it takes to row at the next level. She's participated in the Head of the Charles Regatta and local races in Michigan.
Coach Copeland on Harrison: "From the moment Kirsti stepped on campus, we knew that Louisville was the right fit for her. Kirsti is not only passionate about rowing in college, but she also has the right attitude and mindset of a Cardinal. We know she will make an immediate impact on the team."
Callie McGowan
Callie McGowan
Hometown: Sewickley, Pa.
Club: Three Rivers Rowing Association
Height: 5-5
Profile: McGowan is a fierce competitor for her size. Having been a competitive gymnast for many years, she has developed the drive and commitment it takes to be a Division I athlete. Her hard work and positive attitude will make a huge impact immediately.
Coach Copeland on McGowan: "Callie has a love for the sport that is very contagious. Her positive energy fuels her commitment and determination. We saw right away that Callie is the kind of kid who works really hard and really loves rowing, and that's just the type of athlete we look for at Louisville. She will be a great addition to the team."
Elizabeth Patrick
Elizabeth Patrick
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Club: Episcopal School of Dallas
Height: 6-1
Profile: Elizabeth rows out of the Episcopal school of Dallas where she is very well-trained in small boats and sculling. She has solid boat-moving skills and a natural feel for the sport.
Coach Copeland on Patrick: "Elizabeth is a bright young lady with a natural build for the sport. She has the potential to do some really great things at Louisville and beyond and will be a huge asset to the team next year. We are looking forward to watching her develop as an athlete."
Sarah Podwojski
Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
Club: St. Andrew Rowing Club
Height: 5-10
Profile: Sarah rows out of St. Andrew Rowing Club. She is a well-rounded, competitive athlete with a desire to work hard. Having raced in both sweep and sculling events, she brings a lot of experience with her. She's participated in Southeast Juniors and has raced in the 2012 and 2013 Youth Nationals.
Coach Copeland on Podwojski: "Sarah has a great attitude and an extensive rowing background. She has a lot of experience in both sweep and sculling and will really bring a lot of speed to the Cards."
Caitlin Ponko
Caitlin Ponko
Hometown: Cranston, R.I.
Club: Bay View Crew
Height: 5-2
Profile: Caitlin is a member of both the Bay View Crew junior team and the Narragansett Boat Club master team. She brings a high level of coxing experience to the team and is always looking to learn more.
Coach Copeland on Ponko: "Caitlin has shown she is a team player and is always looking to develop her coxswain skills. Her great work ethic, positive personality and multi-level race experience will allow her to continue to grow at the next level."
Hannah Richardson
Hometown: Prospect, Ky.
Club: Louisville Boat Club
Height: 5-10
Profile: Richardson is a member of the Louisville Rowing Club that trains out of the boathouse next door to the Cardinals' training facility. She is one of the top performers in the club and a strong competitor for her size. She participated in Southeast Juniors in 2012 and 2013 where she placed first and second at club nationals in the eight and four. She continues to improve on and off the water.
Coach Copeland on Richardson: "We are very excited to have Hannah join our team. She is a very determined rower with a lot of potential. As a Louisville native, she brings a lot of experience and passion to the team."
Leah Stump
Hometown: Altamonte Springs, Fla.
Club: North Orlando Rowing
Height: 5-9
Profile: Stump is a competitive and hardworking athlete. She has rowed for four years with North Orlando rowing and can race in any and every boat. Her desire and work ethic make her a great fit for the Cards.
Coach Copeland on Stump: "Leah has shown great dedication to rowing, to developing her skills and to fitness on and off the water. Her dedication, commitment and positive attitude will be a great asset to our team."
Rebecca Yaklic
Rebecca Yaklic
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Club: Dayton Boat Club
Height: 5-10
Profile: Yaklic has rowed with Dayton Boat Club for only two years and has already seen huge improvements both on and off the water. She has the determination and dedication to become a top competitor at Louisville.
Coach Copeland on Yaklic: "Having only a couple of years of experience, she has already done very well for herself. Rebecca has the build for the sport and a natural athletic ability. She will no doubt make a huge impact on the team during her tenure at Louisville."
