Rowing Wraps Up Stellar Recruiting Year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Louisville rowing team wrapped up its signing period by inking nine new Cardinals to add to the roster next year, according to Derek Copeland, UofL head coach.

The class is a wide ranging collection of student-athletes from as far as Washington state to right here in the Ville.

The following is a quick glance at the future Cardinals:

HANNAH BURMANIA
Rockford, MI
Rockford High School Rowing
Major: Exercise Science
Hannah: "I chose the University of Louisville because I felt at home while I was on my visit. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful, and it just felt like the right place for me. I am most looking forward to the relationships I am going to build on the team over the next four years."
Derek: "It was obvious from the beginning of Hannah's official visit that she was going to be a great fit for the program. She's a bright and driven student-athlete who loves a challenge. She's eager to get started at Louisville and we're excited to build upon her training and competition to help her become an unstoppable force at the University of Louisville and beyond."

Mckenzie Dinga signing

MACKENZIE DINGA
Arden, NC
Asheville Youth Rowing Association
Major: Pre-med with a minor in Deaf Studies
Mackenzie: "I chose the University of Louisville because it felt like family. The relationships I grew with the coaches combined with the rigorous athletic and academic atmosphere made Louisville the place where I can see myself growing. I am most excited to be surrounded by a team of like-minded women at Louisville. To me, the team screams unity, and that is one of the core reasons I believe the sky is the limit at Louisville."
Derek: "Mackenzie is a high achiever with a great story. We know that she will add to this team out of the gate. She will continue to grow towards great things athletically, academically, and as a person as a Cardinal and will bring her teammates up with her."

fortin signing

GABBI FORTIN
Shaker Heights, OH
Shaker Heights High School
Major: Political Science
Gabbi: "I chose the University of Louisville because of the competitive and supportive atmosphere. The close-knit family feel is what makes the team feel like home- it's a perfect fit for me. I am very excited to be a Cardinal and I can't wait to advance my academic rowing career at the University of Louisville."
Derek: "Gabbi was drawn to the team dynamic at Louisville. We take a lot of pride in our culture and when someone finds that connection, we know they're going to be a good fit for the program. Gabbi is a strong athlete with a lot of potential to thrive as a Cardinal and it is going to be fun to watch her develop into a big contributor on the team."

gatti signing

GIANNA GATTI-VICE
Louisville, KY
Walden School and PNK Volleyball
Major: Health and Human Performance
Gianna: I chose the University of Louisville because it the school that I grew up cheering for and seems to have an amazing community that I will love and thrive in when I attend. Louisville has always been a second home and I know I am going to love it here!
Derek: "Gianna is a Cardinal through and through. Coming from a family that includes former Cardinal athletes, we are excited to see Gianna set out on her own successful path rowing for the University of Louisville. Gianna has shown through her strength and work ethic that she can compete and win at the state and national level in both swimming and volleyball. She's a powerful and exciting athlete- traits that are going to set her up well for a great rowing career at Louisville."

leonard signing

KAYLIE LEONARD
Clifton Park, NY
Friends of Shenendehowa Crew
Major: Exercise Science with a minor in psychology
Kaylie: "I chose the University of Louisville because I felt at home on my official visit. I loved the campus and that the team is like a family. I was impressed with the work ethic of the athletes, and I know it is a place I can thrive. I can't wait to start!"
Derek: "Kaylie is a strong athlete with a bright future. She has big time speed on the erg and we are excited to see her continue to develop her skills throughout her four years at Louisville. She will put it all together as her enthusiasm for the sport, and this program, continues to translate to speed."

Ulloa signing

ISABELLA ULLOA
Camano Island, WA
Everett Rowing Association
Major: Exercise Science
Isabella: "I chose Louisville because of the amazing support I received from the coaches as well as the athletes. It made me realize how great the family atmosphere is as a Cardinal. I look forward to training amongst strong, competitive athletes and forming strong relationships with my future teammates and coaches."
Derek: "Isabella is hardworking, humble, and makes her boats fast. We couldn't imagine a better team for her to be a part of than the University of Louisville. It was evident from our first call with her that she is a special athlete with a tremendous work ethic and passion for success."

Wacholz signing

SOPHIE WACHOLZ
Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee Rowing Club
Major: Health and Human Performance
Sophie: "I chose Louisville because of the connection and support I felt with all of the coaches and the atmosphere of the team. To have that sort of support already and I'm not even at Louisville yet made all of the difference. I am really looking forward to the connection I am going to make with the team over the next few years. The team atmosphere at Louisville seems very comparable to my home team in Milwaukee and I am so excited to build the same kind of bonds with the girls and the coaches like I did in Milwaukee."
Derek: "Sophie is an exciting athlete. Seeing her at practice and in race day environments really showed us the type of athlete and competitor she is and can be. She's been a consistent force in MRC's V8+ the past few seasons and we look forward to Sophie bringing that intensity and excitement to practice each day when she arrives at Louisville."

Giron signing

MADELINE GIRON
Benicia, CA
Oakland Strokes
Major: Computer Science
Athlete quote: "I chose Louisville because I felt a strong connection with the coaches and team members and fell in love with their close-knit team dynamics. I was impressed with the facilities, athletic, academic dept. and overall environment of the area, plus the constant attention I received from them all was unmatched. I am excited to begin college at The Ville, to work hard, meet new people, do new things and enjoy everything it has to offer. Rowing is a big part of my life and rowing is tough, but so am I, and I look forward to being part of this winning team. Go Cards!!"
Coach's quote: "Madeline fits the Cardinal mold. She's a hard worker, sets high standards, and finds a lot of joy in training and going fast. She's had a lot of success in her short time in the sport and has the ability and drive to achieve even more in her second year and beyond. We're very excited to welcome Madeline to Louisville in August and look forward to seeing her in Red and Black."

stuckey signing

NATALIE STUCKEY
Sylva, NC
Swain County high school
Major: Chemistry
Athlete quote: "I chose Louisville because of the strong athletic and academic programs and I know Louisville will push me to be my very best during my time and after graduation. I am super excited to start a new sport and to be part of such an awesome school and team."
Coach's quote: "Natalie is a successful track and field athlete that will be making the transition to rowing at Louisville. She has established her strength and dominance as a thrower in her home state of North Carolina competing and placing at the state championship and leading her team as a 2x MVP. In addition to her athletic talents, Natalie's passion for competition and determination to outwork others is what will help her have a successful career at Louisville."

University of Louisville Athletics

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