SMU Rowing finished in eighth place at the ACC Rowing Championship held on May 16 at Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate senior from SMU was named to the third-team All-ACC.
The event marked an improvement for the Mustangs compared to last year’s results. “Really pleased with the team’s performance today in the finals,” said third-year head coach. “We improved on last years finish and are hungry for more. I’m proud of our seniors and fifth years, they’ve given so much to the team and it’s great to see them go out the way they did. Conversely, it was impressive to see some of our younger athletes sit in some big seats and do a great job. Throughout the season we talked a lot about never being satisfied, and I think our squad really lived by that. They keep showing up and improving, no matter what. I’m really excited to see what we can do, the jobs not done yet.”
During Saturday’s competition, SMU participated in five petite finals. The team placed fifth in the 3v8 race with a time of 7:13.870, second in both the 2v4 (7:38.700) and 2v8 (6:41.550), fourth in the 1v4 (7:31.850), and second again in their final race with a time of 6:29.520.
The Mustangs scored a total of 47 points—ten points ahead of ninth-place Notre Dame—and matched their eighth-place finish from last year’s championship standings as Stanford took first place overall.
Team members shared reflections following their performances at this year’s championship events:
“While I’m feeling a little speechless at the moment I want to thank this team for giving me the best years of my life… There’s really no words to describe the last moments of something that has defined me for the last years… It’s been an honor leading you this year- only up from here my girls”
Another member said: “My time at SMU has been so special and is something I will remember forever… This team is full of support, dedication, and courage and we carry that with us everywhere.” One teammate added: “During my time as a Mustang, I’ve gained unforgettable racing experiences… Today’s performance was a true reflection of commitment… This is only the beginning.” Another stated: “Over the past four years I have seen every up and down… These girls can do incredible things and I can’t wait to see where they end up!”
Looking ahead, SMU awaits possible selection for NCAA competition during Tuesday’s selection show scheduled for May 19.
