2016 Alumnae Row Photo Gallery
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Nova Southeastern rowing welcomed both current and former team members to its alumnae meet on Saturday, January 16, at the team's home boat house at Holland Park in Hollywood, Florida.
The group took part in some friendly competition, pitting the alums against members of the existing squad in multiple four boat races. While there were no official times tallied, the alumnae were able to hold their own against the current Sharks.
"It was tremendous to see women from all eras of the program - back to our first year of existence - rowing together on our home waters," said head coach
Heather Barney. "Our alums were sharp and aggressive racers, just as they were in their time on the team. Most of all, we had a ton of fun and really enjoyed connecting our current rowers with those who came before them."
"I am grateful to the NSU Rowing coaching staff for organizing the alumnae row this past weekend," said former Shark rower Taylor Liput-Smith. "With many staff changes over the recent years, it has been hard to keep the alumnae connected to the program. Coach Heather and Coach Devin took interest in our team's history and brought back that connection by organizing a day of events that helped bridge that gap. The morning started with the chance for us alums to get back in the shells and re-live a moment of the glory days."
The gathering was a great chance for some of the 2015-16 group to interact with the women who were once in their shoes and for all to share tips and experiences from their time at NSU. Alumnae participants included
Kelly Scott ('15), Jess Sutter ('12), Heather Clayton ('12), Kayla Weiseckel ('11), Rachel Garbaj ('09), Megankate McDonald ('09) and Taylor Liput-Smith ('07). The current team had strong representation as well including
Amanda Hudon (Sr., Sebastian, Fla.),
Adrianna Rosario (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.),
Hannah DiLorenzo (Jr., Holland Patent, N.Y.),
Carlie Morley (So., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Gabi Lopez (So., Orlando, Fla.),
Victoria Porretti (So., Norristown, Pa.), Dani Buse (So., Marysville, Wash.),
Marnie McLean (Fr., Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada),
McKenzie George (Fr., Loveland, Ohio), Sam Loriot (Fr., Somerville, N.J.),
Nicole Baliszewski (Egg Harbor City, N.J.),
Brianna Lavalliere (Fr.) and
Zoe Stein (Fr.).
After the competition, the fun continued as the group grabbed a quick bite at Flight Deck at the Don Taft University Center and then cheered on the women's basketball team as they took on conference opponent Florida Southern.
"We were given the opportunity to connect with current rowers at the Flight Deck, and hone in on Shark Pride by attending the NSU basketball game," added Liput-Smith. "That day allowed us to reconnect with teammates, meet the current team, and provided opportunities for networking and growth. An event such as this is beneficial for alumnae in so many ways, and I hope that more will continue to participate in the future by attending alumnae gatherings, local races and other NSU athletic events."
The Sharks will open 2016 with a slew of scrimmages at the end of February and beginning of March to prepare for the spring season. Official competition begins in Orlando on March 18 as the Sharks take on UCF and Connecticut.
