CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami rowing program wrapped up its second season under head coach Dave Sanderson with the postseason awards presentation.
Sanderson and assistant coaches Taurii Coyne and Meredith Razzolini recognized five student-athletes for their contributions during the 2014-15 season. The coaching staff also presented seniors Devon Phelan-Patton, Hannah Meister, Meghan Hamilton, Sophia Doughty, Lindsay Bouchacourt, Nicola Eick and Kelly O’Boyle with a miniature “U” oar as a token of appreciation for their time representing the Hurricanes on the water.
Senior Meghan Hamilton was the recipient of the D.E.A.P. award, honoring the person who best exhibits Determination, Effort, Attitude and Performance. Hamilton was the 1V8+ coxswain in 2014-15, guiding the Canes to a second place finish in the 1V8+ Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship. The Davie, Fla., native was a leader in her four years as a Hurricane, rising all the way to the top varsity boat.
Freshman Taegan Lynch was the recipient of the Iron Oar. Inspired by Miami’s Iron Arrow honor society, the Iron Oar is presented to someone who embodies the following mantra: “She who would know the oar, must as an irrefutable rule, have openly and without thought of reward, show obvious love for team and boat speed.”
Lynch was a key part of most of Miami’s best boats during the 2014-15 season. The freshman was a member of the 4+ boat at the Head of the Charles that placed 12th with a time of 19:22. She also was part of the 1V8+ that placed sixth with a time of 7:01.01 in the Women’s Collegiate Varsity Grand Final at the San Diego Crew Classic and won the 1V8+ third level final at Knecht Cup, posting a time of 6:59.05. Lynch also helped the Hurricanes finish second in the 1V8+ Petite Final at the 2015 ACC Rowing Championship.
In addition to being selected at the Iron Oar recipient, Lynch earned The Hammer-Greenhorn award for the fastest 2k by a first year/newcomer to the program.
Freshman Alexa Aguilar was recognized at the Most Improved Novice. The Royal Palm Beach, Fla., native rose from being a member of the “C” boat in the Open 8+ at the 2014 Head of the Hooch to earn a spot on Miami’s 2V8+ that placed third in the Petite Final at the 2015 ACC Rowing Championship. Aguilar was part of the Novice 8+ that finished third with a time of 7:26.43 in the Women’s Collegiate Novice Grand Final at the San Diego Crew Classic and won the 2V8+ third level final at the Knecht Cup, posting a time of 7:11.51.
Senior Devon Phelan-Patton was named the 2014-15 GRIT award winner in recognition of her ability to step up to the challenge and rise to the occasion. The Fairport, N.Y., native helped Miami finish second in the 1V8+ Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship. She also was part of the 1V8+ that placed sixth with a time of 7:01.01 in the Women’s Collegiate Varsity Grand Final at the San Diego Crew Classic and won the 1V8+ third level final at Knecht Cup, posting a time of 6:59.05.
The final award went to junior Gigi Williamson, who earned The Hammer award for the fastest 2k on the team for the 2014-15 season. A year ago, Williamson earned The Hammer-Greenhorn in her first year as a Cane. In 2014-15, Williamson was a member of the “B” boat that finished 13th with a time of 17:08.4 in the Open 8+ at the 2014 Head of the Hooch and was on the 2V8+ at the Governor’s Cup.
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