Hurricane Coaches Reach Out to the World to find Class of 2007

Hurricane Coaches Reach Out to the World to find Class of 2007

Oct. 1, 2003

The University of Miami Women’s Rowing team welcomed 12 newcomers for the 2003-2004 academic year with the start of fall classes.

With the loss of only two seniors, the return of a successful freshmen crew and this talented group of incoming freshmen, the future looks bright for the Hurricanes.

International rowers from all over the world have come to join the Hurricanes. Ireland, Australia, and Canada are all represented on the 2003-2004 squad. U.S. rowers from as far as California and New York have also come to help propel the Hurricanes into a nationally ranked rowing team.

Meet the University of Miami Class of 2007 Women’s Rowing Team:

Alicia Alamar – The California resident is a newcomer to the sport but plans to make significant gains and contributions each year.

Hannah Bae – Hannah comes to Miami from Thomas Jefferson HS in Springfield, Va. As a coxswain, she brings leadership to help motivate and coach the Hurricanes.

Marenda Chamberlin – The former Oregon Unlimited captain brings quiet leadership to the crew with sound experience and knowledge in the sport.

Laura Coltman – The Toronto native brings with her a bronze medal from this year’s Canadian Henley Sr. B Women’s Four event. She also took home Silver and Bronze medals at the US Nationals in the Intermediate and Senior Pair. Coltman has her sights set on making the Canadian National team.

Sarah Conlon – The only member of the 2007 class from Australia, Sarah most recently won the Australian National Championships in 2002 in the youth coxed quadruple sculls.

Aoife Forde – The sophomore transfer from the National University, Galway of Ireland comes to Miami with International competition under her belt. Forde is a four year rower that most recently represented Ireland in the Home International Regatta.

Natasha Lejer – Natasha competed as a member of the Canadian Junior National Team in Schinias, Greece this summer in her first year of rowing. Her talent and potential will add depth and power to the Hurricanes.

Meghan Leydecker – One of a pair of coxswains recruited to the Hurricane crew this fall. Meghan comes from Nardin Academy in Buffallo, NY and provides extensive knowledge and motivation as a leader of the Hurricanes.

Ashley Via – As a sculler from Philadelphia, Ashley will make the transition from two oars to one in her first year with the Hurricanes.

Valerie Webb – In two short years of rowing experience, Valerie won the Canadian High School Rowing Championships. Coach Morgan hopes Valerie can continue her meteoric rise with the Hurricanes.

Karen Wiley – The St. Catharines, Ontario native is a five-time Canadian junior national champion. Karen has most recently competed in six events and thirteen races at the Royal Canadian Henley.

Molly Wilson – Molly, from Oconomowoc, Wisc., has raced internationally at the Royal English Henley and in high school at Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. She will make the transition well into Division 1 rowing.

The Hurricanes begin their fall season at the Head of the Creek Regatta on Sunday, October 12th at the Shane Watersports Center in Miami Beach, Fla.