UM Rowing Announces 2005 Signing Class
May 19, 2005
Head rowing coach Debra Morgan, along with the University of Miami, announced Thursday the signing of five rowers to national letters of intent. In addition, two transfers and two experienced walk-ons will join the Hurricane rowing program in 2005.
The 2005 incoming class hails from across the country and the world, including Australia, Canada, New York, Washington and Virginia.
UM’s rowing coaches are looking for the 2005 incoming class, who have proven themselves as the top rowers in their respective programs, to add depth an excitement to the team with their diverse rowing experiences.
“Our entire team is excited about the addition of these athletes to our roster,” said Morgan. “We are confident that all of them will bring amazing talent, drive, and leadership to this already growing and inspired team.”
Kelly Amsler heads to Coral Gables as one of two rowers hailing from the state of Washington. Amsler, a native of Redmond, Wash., received the 2003-04 Outstanding Student Leadership award and was nominated for the King County Journal’s Top Grad Salute for Leadership award. A product of Lake Washington High School where she was team captain, Amsler was part of the Jr. B quad nominated for 2003 Northwest Crew of the Year. She received an invitation to participate the in Selection Camps for the US National Team this summer. In 2003, Amsler competed in the San Diego Crew Classic where she placed first in the Open Varsity 8+. That same year she competed in the Northwest Junior Regional Champs, USRowing Youth Invite in the V8+ and the USRowing Nationals in the Junior B 4+, and did so in 2004 as well.
Olivia Arkell of Vernon, British Columbia will graduate from Kelowna Secondary School and is a member of the Kelowna Rowing Club. An accomplished nationally ranked track and field athlete, Arkell holds provincial all-time top ten rankings and records. She also lettered in basketball, volleyball and cross country. Arkell was part of Kelowna Secondary School honor roll and work ethic list.
Laura Corder hails from Melbourne Australia were she attended Wesley College. A member of the International Baccalaureate Program, Corder received academic awards for English, Biology, Geography, and Indonesian. Corder was the recipient of the Academic Distinction Award for IB HL Indonesian in year 12. Part of the Wesley College Varsity 8+, Corder holds the current Wesley girls all time record for the 2000-meter erg. She was awarded College Colours for rowing and General Colours for soccer.
“I believe she can become a great oarswoman for Australia or USA which ever comes first,” said Guy Begley, Corder’s coach at Wesley College. “Her ability to be coached and to provide team bonding is second to none. She provides simplicity to complex problems and manages situations with direct leadership. She isn’t always a formal leader but demonstrates leadership qualities that fellow crew mates acknowledge.”
Marleena Eyre of Lakeside High School in Seattle, Wash. is a member of the Greenlake crew. Eyre attended the US Rowing Northwest I.D. camp held in Seattle in 2004. She has applied to the school of nursing with the hopes of earning a degree in health sciences.
Liz Skidmore enters Miami as a sophomore after spending her freshman year at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. A native of Bluefield, Va., Skidmore was named the Valedictorian of her high school in 2004. While at Graham High School, Skidmore earned All-District honors in basketball and softball. She was team captain in basketball, volleyball, and softball and was named the GHS Female Athlete of the Year in 2004.
Rachel Sporko of Saratoga Springs High School in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. was named Who’s Who Among American High School Students from 2001-2003 and earned the “Sports Edition” honor in 2004 and 2005. A member of the National Junior Honor Society, Sporko earned Honors and High Honors throughout high school, eventually earning an Advanced Regents Diploma. Sporko, who will major in dance, directed and choreographed Saratoga Springs High School’s award winning dance team in 2004 and 2005. She was a four-time Section II and New York State Scholastic Rowing Champion and became a National Finalist in 2005.
2005 Miami Rowing Incoming Class
Kelly Amsler
Redmond, Wash.
Lake Washington High School
Morgan on Amsler:
“There is a great spark of energy in Kelly that I am really excited to work with. She’s got a true zest for life and a passion for rowing. She’ll bring excellent energy, leadership and rowing experience to our team.”
Olivia Arkell
Vernon, British Columbia
Kelowna Secondary School
Morgan on Arkell:
“Olivia is a phenomenal all round athlete. In addition, she has to be one of the nicest athletes I have met in a long time. She will not only contribute to our team athletically, but will be a true pleasure to work with as well.”
Laura Corder
Melbourne, Australia
Wesley College
Morgan on Corder:
“Laura is the third Australian to join our team. I cannot speak highly enough about the Australian athletes we are working with and Laura is no exception. She brings self confidence, energy, and excitement along with a strong athletic background.”
Marleena Eyre
Seattle, Wash.
Lakeside School
Morgan on Eyre:
“Marleena was another one who just seems to fit perfectly into the Miami program. The vibrancy and variety of cultures of the city of Miami and the tropical feel of the campus really fit Marleena. She is a great athlete from an excellent high school program and we’re looking forward to working with her.”
Liz Skidmore
Bluefield, Va.
Graham High School/College of William & Mary
Morgan on Skidmore:
“We’re very lucky to have Liz joining us in the Fall. She was an obvious standout at William and Mary and will fit into our program very well. She’s excited to row in the ACC Conference and to see how much she can accomplish both academically and athletically. I think Liz is going to have an immediate impact in the fall.”
Rachael Sporko
Saratoga Springs, NYSaratoga Springs High School
Morgan on Sporko:
“Rachel is a natural fit for the Hurricane Rowing Program. She loves the beach and she loves rowing so I think she’ll be very happy here. She also is an impressive athlete with a great work ethic. I think she is going to have an immediate and major impact in our program.”
