FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The No. 8 Nova Southeastern saw Victoria Porretti, Rayna Stuart, Marnie McLean and Nicole Baliszewski named scholar athletes for the 2017 season by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA).
 
The four Sharks earned this honor after finishing the spring 2017 semester with cumulative GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Other requirements set by the CRCA are that the student be in their second, third or fourth year of eligibility, competed in 75 percent of the team's events and have met all institutional eligibility requirements.
 
"Our team believes what we experience as part of the rowing team, with respect to learning and working hard, should always complement and enhance our studies in the classroom," explained head coach Devin Fay. "It is no surprise that this group, who are leaders in all aspects on our team, achieved the GPAs to become scholar athletes. These four are unwavering in their attitude about self-improvement, education, and striving to become the best versions of themselves.
 
Porretti, a junior coxswain primarily assigned to the varsity eight boat, helped lead the Sharks' boat to a second-place finish in the FIRA Championships, where NSU would eventually grab the crown. The veteran currently holds a 3.54 as she pursues her degree in athletic training.
 
Stuart, also a member of the varsity eight boat and 2017 SSC All-Conference Team member, earns a spot on the CRCA scholar athlete team after finishing her semester with a 3.65 in psychology. Stuart was also part of the double boat during the FIRA Championships that grabbed a first-place finish in their event.
 
McLean was given this honor after earning a 3.98 in exercise and sport science. Also a member of the varsity eight, McLean was a member of the Sharks boat that finished in third place at the SSC Championships, with a season-best 6:54.73. NSU would go on to grab second place overall.
 
Also named a CRCA scholar athlete was Baliszewski, who traded time this season in the varsity four and eight boats. Baliszewski is currently pursuing a degree in psychology and boasts a 3.69 GPA.
 
For a complete list of CRCA National Scholar-Athletes, please click HERE.