Women's Rowing Opens Spring Season Saturday

PHILADELPHIA -- The Temple women's rowing squad is set to open their spring campaign this weekend after a hardworking offseason since their fall competitions. Head coach Rebecca Smith Grzybowski has high hopes for the upcoming season after seeing how hard her athletes have worked the past few months.

"I have been really pleased with the offseason that we've had," said Grzybowski. "We had a solid fall season. People came back in a much further along point, which is always a good indication that the season is going in the right direction. We are putting up better numbers in the both the weight room and the erg room than ever before, and it makes me very excited for this season."

Grzybowski has seen great dedication and hard work from all of her athletes in the offseason, and knows it will carry over when they get on the water. Specifically, three athletes stood out, showing great improvement since the fall season.

"Some of our freshmen have shown significant improvement since we first saw them perform in the fall. Gabby DiMarco came in further ahead than she was when we even recruited her, and now she is at the top of our freshman record board in all three erg categories (2K, 6K and 30 minute test)."

"Junior Gab Thomas also has made some really big strides. She was a walk-on, and has definitely come a long way in terms of putting herself in contention for the Varsity 8. She had a really good indoor season, committing to making some technical changes on the erg that are playing in her favor back out on the water."

"As a senior, Louise Huuki definitely comes to mind. She ran cross-country her first year at Temple, then turned to being a rower her sophomore year. We threw her right into the mix and she jumped right in. She has a fantastic attitude and things are really starting to click," Grzybowski said. "Everybody across the board has really been stepping up."

With the season starting one weekend later than it has in previous years, athletes and coaching staff are all very anxious to get on the water. While counting down the days until competition day, they always have their main goal in sight.

"I'm so excited to get out and race. That's the fun part of coaching—you do so much work, then you put it all out there for the world to see. I am excited to see how everyone commits to trusting what we have been doing, and trusting each other."

"I truly think we are on pace to be the fastest team we've ever had, and the goal of ultimately winning a conference championship is in sight. I definitely think we are much further along in this process than ever, and I know it is going to be a really exciting season."

The Owls will race in a double dual with SJU, against UNC and Boston College on Saturday.

Temple University Athletics

Women's Rowing Opens Spring Season Saturday

Players Mentioned

Gabby DiMarco

Louise Huuki

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