Club Spotlight: Women's Crew
Many of The University of Scranton Women's Crew club members, shown, say they stepped out of their comfort zone or joined the team with absolutely no experience in rowing. The results: lifelong friendships and a sense of accomplishment.In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs.
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GET INVOLVED
Club: University of Scranton Women's Crew
Meet: Shown, clockwise from top left:
Grace McDonald '25, president and captain, biochemistry major from Jamison,
Taylor Troost '26, vice president and captain, communication sciences and disorders major with a psychology minor from Staten Island, New York,
Jenna LaBarca '26, treasurer and captain, English and criminal justice double major from Eastchester, New York, and
Madeline Williams '25, secretary and captain, psychology and philosophy double major from Wall Township, New Jersey
Connect: @uofs_womenscrew
Q: What is the mission of Women’s Crew?
The mission of Women’s Crew is to create a welcoming, friendly environment where girls have the opportunity to either continue rowing or learn how to do so while being part of a tight-knit team! We aim to foster a supportive community where girls can bond over their love of the sport and determination to try something new.
Q: Tell us about annual events or activities you host as a club.
Each semester, our club attends the Activities Fair, (shown below) where we advertise our club! We also have several fundraisers throughout the year. In the past, we’ve hosted events with Panera, Chipotle and Krispy Kreme, along with selling Women’s Crew T-shirts and apparel.
Q: Any plans for the spring semester?
This semester, we plan on attending two regattas (competitions): The Knecht Cup on April 12 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and the Novak Memorial Metropolitan Championship on April 26 in New Rochelle, New York.
Q: Why would you recommend someone join the women’s crew?
We would recommend joining the Women’s crew because it is a great way to make new friends, stay active, and learn how to work as a team. You also do not need to have any experience to join.
Grace: I joined Women’s Crew during my first semester at Scranton to try a new sport and make friends on campus. Since joining, I have met some of my closest friends at Scranton and developed such a love for rowing. It was definitely worth stepping out of my comfort zone to try something new – I can’t imagine my time at Scranton without this team.
Taylor: I joined the Women’s Crew my freshman year as a way to make new friends and stay active. I came on the team with absolutely no experience in rowing and never expected to love it as much as I do now. I created lifelong friends and a newfound love for the sport. I am so thankful I joined the team.
Jenna: I joined the Women’s Crew team my first semester freshman year to continue my habit of working out while also being part of a team. Throughout high school, I was on various teams and it helped me make lifelong friendships. I knew being a part of the crew team at Scranton would help me to do the same, and it has. Motivating each other to be better and having friendships outside of the sport has made me so grateful I joined!
Maddy: I joined the Women’s Crew team as a sophomore because I wanted to do something that was outside of my comfort zone, and stay active. Since then, this team has truly become my home on campus, and the team has become my family. I have come to love rowing so much, and I have learned that I am capable of so much more than I would have ever known. I will always be grateful for my time with this incredible team.
Our crew team meets three times a week for indoor practice in the Byron and once a week for team lift! When the weather permits, we take girls out on the lake at Lackawanna State Park to row. This is our favorite part of practice. To find out more, reach out to one of the captains or DM us on Instagram @uofs_womenscrew!
Q: Anything we have not asked about that you’d like to mention?
Each semester after the club fair we hold two tryouts, one run and one swim! Another way to be part of the team without being a rower is by becoming a coxswain, where you help keep the rowers motivated and steer the boat.
Shown from left are; Jenna LaBarca '26, Madeline Williams '25, Ashley Sion '27, Grace McDonald '25, Taylor Troost '26.
