Rowing Welcomes 12 in 2025 Signing Class

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville rowing coach Derek Copeland has announced that 12 prospective student-athletes will continue their education and rowing careers at UofL. Jana Berelsmann, Anna Brennan, Addie Clark, Katherine Cromly, Zoe Desserich, Alisson Galay-Morales, Victoria Grayson, Rhiannon Hockey, Sara Sedovsek, Wilkey Smith and Dorka Szabo will join the Cardinals in the fall of 2025 while Donata Elez will enroll in January 2025.

"It was one of our goals this year to double down and invest in bringing international talent to the program," said Copeland. "Not only is it an injection of speed and technical skill, but also brings a level of diversity and perspective to our student-athletes."

"We were very intentional in the kinds of countries that we looked towards for recruiting," said Associate Head Coach Ed Oxlade. "We want to find the athletes from smaller federations that might have been overlooked by other programs, as it is often easier to prioritize English-speaking nations. The international recruits we have coming in have worked their way up to high level racing, and often doing it without the same support as their peers from larger countries."

"We also had a strong desire to bring in a very specific type of domestic student-athlete, the type that will not only push the program forward but also blend with the culture our team has built up," added Copeland. "In total, we have 12 student-athletes coming in 2025, one in the spring and the remainder in the fall semester. We're still recruiting out-of-sport athletes to round out the novice class, but we feel that we're in a great spot."

Donata Elez
Hometown: Osijek, Croatia
High School: Gimnasium in Osijek
Rowing program: Veslacki klub Iktus
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I decided to commit to UofL because when I was at the official visit, I really liked how open and welcoming everyone were. I also like the atmosphere among the girls and how supportive they are of each other. I was really surprised and pleased to see how many options are offered to improve your performance, thinking of psychologists, nutritionists, chiropractors, just as there are many options offered for majors in college too."

Derek Copeland on Donata Elez
"Elez is joining the team in the spring of '25 and will be a quick addition to our top end speed and boat moving ability. Elez brings a bright energy to any training space, whether it's the erg, weight room, or out on the water. She has a powerful frame and has been in high-level races representing Croatia."

Jana Berelsmann
Hometown: Osnabrück, Germany
High School: Grammar School Carolinum Osnabrück
Rowing Program: Osnabrücker Ruder-Verein
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I decided to choose Louisville, because I think the overall team spirit and how people are to each other is really important and in Louisville they have that. Also, I spoke to quite a few of the coaches and all of them just seemed really nice. I am looking forward to finally meet all the people there and start practicing with them."

Derek Copeland on Jana Berelsmann
"Jana is no stranger to traveling far from home to study and compete. During her high school career, she completed a study abroad program at the Durham School in Northen England where she was able to race at the National Schools Regatta. She's a strong racer with a sturdy build and down to earth attitude. Very much a student of the sport, she always looks for in-depth feedback from her coaches. We're excited to see her lead the freshman class in the high school to college transition."

Anna Brennan
Hometown: Kilkenny, Ireland
High School: Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny
Rowing Program: New Ross Boat Club
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I think Derek and Ed lead the rowing program with integrity and are committed to helping athletes reach their full potential. Their dedication goes beyond just training; it fosters an environment where athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. I'm beyond excited to join an amazing group of girls and team of coaches!"

Derek Copeland on Anna Brennan
"Anna is an athlete that our staff has been recruiting for a long time and we are so glad she's joining the squad. She's one of the top scullers in Ireland and internationally at the junior level. Though a bit quieter, Anna is a work horse and committed to her training. She'll be a great leader by example for the freshman class. We're excited to see how she grows in a large program."

Addie Clark
Hometown: Independence Ky.
High School: Simon Kenton
Rowing program: Cincinnati Jr Rowing Club
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I committed to UofL because I am excited to train at the next level and compete collegially. I also felt at home during my visit because of the connection and support that team had for each other."

Derek Copeland on Addie Clark
"Addie is a scrappy athlete coming out of a talented Cincinnati Juniors program. Though a little undersized she's not to be underestimated on the racecourse. Addie has worked her way into the stroke seat of top-level boats at CJRC and is a proven winner. We're excited to have local talent coming in to represent the Cards. Her drive to prove competitors wrong will be an asset to the program."

Katherine Cromly
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio
High School: Perrysburg
Rowing Program: Perrysburg Rowing Club
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I decided to commit to UofL because of the strong team culture and the unmatched resources provided to student athletes."

Derek Copeland on Katherine Cromly
"Another athlete that our coaching staff has been recruiting for a while, Katherine comes to the Cards from Perrysburg, Ohio. She's been a leader in her program, consistently balancing her ambitions with being the ultimate team player. Whether it's jumping in a novice boat or carrying oars for her teammates, Katherine has the kind of selflessness that we look for in our rowers. Beyond rowing, she has also competed at a high level in swimming. Her cardio base and tall frame will help her jump in quickly in her freshman season.

Zoe Desserich
Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.
High School: North Central
Rowing Program: Indianapolis Rowing Club
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I chose UofL because of the team environment. Seeing how supportive and genuine all of the girls were to each other really reminded me of what I loved about my high school team."

Derek Copeland on Zoe Desserich
"Zoe is a highly competitive coxswain from the Indianapolis Rowing Center. Having coxed male athletes through her high school career, she has grown clear and decisive with her feedback to rowers and developed a thick skin along the way. Zoe is quick on her feet and always has her head on a swivel coming down the racecourse, a skill set that will prove useful out on the Ohio River day to day. Zoe and Victoria [Grayson] are great additions to an already strong coxswain core."

Alisson Galay-Morales
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic/currently resides in New York
High School:
Club Program: Row New York.
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I chose Louisville because the coaches shared their vision for the team's long-term success, and it inspired me. I'm excited to be part of something big and contribute to the growth of the program."

Derek Copeland on Alisson Galay-Morales
"Alisson is an absolute firecracker who has a unique experience with the sport. After growing up in the Dominican Republic, just before high school she moved with her family to New York City and discovered rowing. She quickly fell in love with the sport and found success rowing with her club, Row New York. Beyond competing, Alisson also seeks to introduce and promote rowing to other athletes of color. This fall she competed at the Head of the Charles in the Club 8+ representing the Rowing in Color podcast, a program that amplifies minority voices in rowing."

Victoria Grayson
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio
High School: Perrysburg HS
Rowing program: Perrysburg Rowing Club
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I decided to commit to UofL because of all the great people supporting me as well as all the opportunities I'll receive. The environment created on the rowing team is like no other and academically I know I'll thrive."

Derek Copeland on Victoria Grayson
"Victoria Grayson is a coxswain from Perrysburg, Ohio and teammate of newcomer Katherine Cromly. Victoria has shown us to be a strong team player and always a source of energy for her rowers. We anticipate her to be a strong relationship builder on the water and off, the kind of coxswain that can have fun while also locking in for competition. Victoria is a self-starter to be sure, even running her own nail business out of her parents' home."

Rhiannon Hockey
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo./London, England (originally)
High School: Pembroke Hill School
Rowing Program: Kansas City Boat Club
Why did you decide to commit to UofL: "I chose UofL because the program excited me, and I enjoyed getting to know the coaches throughout the process."

Derek Copeland on Rhiannon Hockey
"Rhiannon joins the squad from a smaller club out in Kansas City, Missouri. Having trained and competed on a small roster in high school, we're excited to see just how much she takes off in our larger environment. During the recruiting process, we were impressed to see just how committed Rhiannon is the to sport and her growth mindset. Rhiannon also comes from a large family of athletes. Both of her parents were competitive athletes back in England, her father in soccer and her mother in rowing."

Sara Sedovsek
Hometown: Bled, Slovenia
High School: Gymnazija Jesenice
Rowing program: VK Bled
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I've decided to commit to UofL because I connected really well with the coaches, so I think I'll be able to push myself and achieve my goals under their guidance. I also think the team is very connected, like a family."

Derek Copeland on Sara Sedovsek
"Sara Sedovsek is one of only three junior scullers in her home country of Slovenia. We were impressed not only by her rowing ability and racing experience, but in her resiliency to recover and progress from a back injury last year. Her mindset will aid her during her time as a Card. Not Sara is not only a passionate athlete, but also a passionate artist across different mediums, even operating as an amateur sports photographer and videographer."

Wilkey Smith
Hometown: Marietta, Ohio
High School: Marietta High School
Rowing Program: Tiger Navy
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I loved the team culture and the environment at UofL!"

Derek Copeland on Wilkey Smith
"Wilkey joins us from Marietta, Ohio, where she's been a staple member of their V4+ for years. Another standout in the Midwest juniors rowing scene, she and her crew were invited to the Henley Women's Regatta in the summer of 2024. Each year more than 2,000 rowers travel from all over the UK and from across the world to compete in this prestigious event. Wilkey is a trusted boat mover with a high level of technical skill. As her high school coach, Tanner O'Connor said, "You put her in any lineup and it will go faster."

Dorka Szabó
Hometown: Mende, Hungary
High School: Scheiber Sandor Gimnazium es altalanos iskola
Rowing program: MTK
Why I decided to commit to UofL: "I find the way Derek and Ed think very interesting and thought provoking. I think they put a great deal of energy into making the girls feel like actual people to them and not just athletes. Throughout my talks with both of them, I felt that everything I said they actually heard, which for me is a very important factor. I felt an immeasurable amount of love and inspiration during my conversations with the girls. I honestly can't wait to be at Louisville and become a Cardinal!"

Derek Copeland on Dorka Szabó
"Dorka has an infectious smile and attitude, she'll undoubtedly help long training sessions feel more energized. She has raced in high level competition in Hungary along with strong performances at Coupe de la Jeunesse, an international junior regatta for European rowing federations by invitation."

For the latest on Louisville Rowing, visit GoCards.com follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at LouisvilleROW.

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