The Winter Park Crew made waves at the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sweep Championships last weekend, securing the overall state scholastic team championship for an incredible 14th consecutive year. Not only did they extend their dynasty, but they also repeated as women's youth team champions and added the women's scholastic championship to their haul. It was a weekend that solidified their status as a powerhouse on the water.
The team's performance was nothing short of stellar, with gold medals in both the women's first varsity 8+ and second varsity 8+ events. These victories earned them youth and scholastic titles, showcasing their depth and dominance. But the success didn't stop there—Winter Park also earned podium finishes across multiple categories. The men's pair brought home a silver medal and a scholastic title, while bronze medals and scholastic championships were secured in the men's lightweight 8+, women's third varsity 8+, women's fourth varsity 8+, and men's second freshman 8+.
For rowing enthusiasts and fans of competitive sports, this kind of consistency is rare. Winter Park's ability to reload year after year speaks to a culture of excellence that starts with the athletes and extends to their coaching staff. It's the kind of legacy that inspires young rowers to pick up an oar and chase their own gold medals.
The gold medal-winning women's first varsity 8+ lineup featured coxswain Carly Centauri, along with Olivia Cagle, Jill Schnitker, Nadia Davidson, Juliana Kodera, Grace Miller, Sophia Vesela, Ansleigh Ballenger, and Anastasia Vakh. Meanwhile, the women's second varsity 8+ crew included coxswains Laken Narine and Stella Cales, with rowers Olivia McCann, Lilly-Mae Amdal, Avelyn Stewart, Emma Williamson, Sofia Lee, Kate Decker, and Natalie Vincent.
In the men's events, Owen Hanniford and Brian Vann powered their way to a silver medal in the pair. The bronze medal-winning men's lightweight 8+ team featured coxswain Rose Silker and rowers Cayden Kilgore, Cooper Trochinski, Tripp Montgomery, Tommy Richardson, Oliver Grin, Charles Tso, Will Fibiger, and Cameron Van. The men's second freshman 8+ also earned bronze, with coxswain Rafi Troncoso and rowers Tucker Bleakley, Andrew Christ Jolta, Owen Sharpe, Luke Rosen, Caleb Estill, Kyler Jacobs, Liam McGuire, and Dan Dyke.
On the women's side, the third varsity 8+ bronze medal crew included coxswain Vee Dubill and rowers Mackay Austin, Sam Bosco, Isla Yeomans, Avery Hawks, Delaney Boadella, Sofia Montijo Rivera, Avery Kodera, and Luna Desormoux Braga. The fourth varsity 8+ bronze medalists featured coxswain Taylor Dinklage and rowers Janessa Foon, Ava Marlowe, Nicole Savinykh, Alaina Ferris, Angelique Carmack, Camilla Cardenas, Lyla Wardeh, and Maggie Root.
Earlier this month, the Seminole County Area Rower also made headlines, but this weekend belonged to Winter Park. For anyone looking to gear up like a champion, these athletes prove that hard work, teamwork, and the right mindset can lead to extraordinary results. Whether you're a rower or a fan, there's plenty to celebrate in this community of water warriors.