Biedenharn, Harrison Named Louisville Rowing Captains
September 23, 2016 | Rowing
Biedenharn is a senior from Cincinnati, while Harrison is a second-time captain hailing from Belmont, Michigan
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville senior Gabi Biedenharn and junior Kirsti Harrison have been chosen as co-captains for the Cardinals rowing team for the 2016-17 season.
Biedenharn, a native of Cincinnati, was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll and was a CRCA Scholar Athlete during her junior season. She spent much of the 2016 season in Louisville's second varsity eight boat, which finished fifth at the ACC Championship and earned a second-place finish at the Clemson Invitational.
Harrison, who hails from Belmont, Michigan and is a captain for a second time, was earned First Team CRCA All-Region accolades and was an All-ACC First Team selection on the water during her sophomore season while also being named to ACC Academic Honor Roll and All-ACC Academic Rowing Team for her work in the classroom. For the second straight season, Harrison rowed exclusively in the Cardinals' varsity eight boat, which finished fifth at the ACC Championship.
"We are thrilled to have Gabi and Kirsti serve as co-captains this year. Both of these student-athletes embody the grittiness and integrity that is the foundation of our program. They have very high expectations for our program this spring and they are eager to lead their peers to success. Not only do they lead by example at practice, they both are very involved in the community and strive for excellence in the classroom which sets a great example to their teammates," said Louisville rowing assistant coach Sheila Rinozzi. "I am excited and confident in their ability to lead our team and continue the traditions like all their predecessors. Louisville rowing has a history of outstanding leadership from the captains and there is no doubt Gabi and Kirsti will continue to this trend."
Biedenharn provides Louisville, which opens its fall with a scrimmage at Indiana on Saturday, with great experience and leadership having competed in multiple boats during her collegiate career while also serving on the UofL's Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Harrison has competed primarily for the team's varsity eight crew and brings experience competing at an extremely high level on the water highlighted by her invitation to the U23 National Team Selection Camp in June in Princeton, New Jersey.
"I am incredibly honored to be name co-captain with Kirsti! We are planning to do some amazing things this year as a team," explained Biedenharn. "We have set high goals for the season, both academically and athletically and I know the gritty group of girls we have this year will be able to achieve them."
"The positivity on our team is infectious. It makes me excited for our upcoming season," said Harrison. "Our culture and coaching staff have never been better. They hold us accountable and push us to our full potential."
Following this weekend's scrimmage at Indiana, the Cardinals will return home to host the annual Red-Black Regatta on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the G. Garvin Brown III Rowing Center in downtown Louisville.
Fans can follow Louisville rowing on Twitter (@UofLrowing) at http://twitter.com/uoflrowing, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UofLRowing and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/uoflrowing.
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