Sanderson Presents 2016 @CanesRowing Awards

Sanderson Presents 2016 @CanesRowing Awards

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami rowing program wrapped up its third season under head coach Dave Sanderson with the postseason awards presentation.

Sanderson and assistant coaches Taurii Kastning and Brianna Pittman recognized seven student-athletes for their contributions during the 2015-16 season. The coaching staff also recognized seniors Sarah Aschebrock, Caitlin Lowe, Hannah Nielsen, Joletta Silva, Caitlin White-Parsons, Alison Whitty and Gigi Williamson for their time representing the Hurricanes on the water.

Senior Caitlin White-Parsons was the recipient of the D.E.A.P. award, honoring the person who best exhibits Determination, Effort, Attitude and Performance. White-Parsons was a member of the 1V8+ cin 2015-16, helping the Canes win the 1V8+ Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship. The Auckland, New Zealand native was on Miami’s top varsity boat in two seasons as a Hurricane, helping the Canes win the Cal Cup at the 2016 San Diego Crew Classic.

Senior Ally Whitty 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.” 

Whitty was a key part of Miami’s success during the 2015-16 season. A second team All-ACC selection, Whitty won the Collegiate Championship 4+ and Collegiate Championship 8+ events at the Head of the Indian Creek, placed eighth in the Women’s Championship 4+ event at the Head of the Charles, helped the Canes win the Cal Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic, won the Women’s Varsity Pair Final at the Knecht Cup and was a member of the 1V8+ that won its Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship.

Whitty was also joined by fellow team captains Taegan Lynch and Caroline Shaw as recipients of the 2015-16 GRIT award in recognition of their ability to step up to the challenge and rise up to the occasion.

Lynch teamed with Whitty to win the Women’s Varsity Pair Final at the Knecht Cup and was a member of the 1V8+ that won its Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship. She was also on boats that won the Collegiate Championship 4+ and Collegiate Championship 8+ events at the Head of the Indian Creek, placed eighth in the Women’s Championship 4+ event at the Head of the Charles and won the Cal Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic.

Shaw was a leader on Miami’s 2V8+, helping the Canes row their best race of the season in the Petite Final at the ACC Rowing Championship. She also represented the Canes at the Head of the Charles, Head of the Hooch, San Diego Crew Classic and Knecht Cup.

Freshman Jackie Lippincott was recognized at the Most Improved Hurricane following the 2015-16 season. The Tampa, Fla., native coxed several boats to success this season, including Miami’s 2V8+ at the ACC Rowing Championships. Lippincott also coxed the 2V8+ to a third level final victory at the San Diego Crew Classic.

Senior Gigi Williamson repeated as The Hammer award winner for the fastest 2k on the team for the 2015-16 season. Two years ago, Williamson earned The Hammer-Greenhorn in her first year as a Cane. In 2015-16, Williamson was a member of the 2V8+ that won the third level final at the San Diego Crew Classic. She also helped the 1V8+ to a victory at the Governor’s Cup.

The final award went to freshman Jenna Shorten, whom was named The Hammer-Greenhorn award recipient for the fastest 2k by a newcomer to the team. Shorten, who began the season on the 1V4+, earned her way up to a spot on the 2V8+. The Cypress, Texas native was on Miami’s Second Varsity Eight at the ACC Rowing Championship. 

For official updates and information please visit our website at HurricaneSports.com or “Like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/canesrowing. You can also “Follow” Miami rowing on Twitter at http://twitter.com/canesrowing. The program is also on Instagram.