Spartan Rowing Welcomes Eight for 2017
11/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
East Lansing, Mich. -- Spartan head coach Matt Weise and his rowing staff have announced the addition of eight student-athletes who will enroll at Michigan State and join the rowing program in the 2016-17 school year.
"This is an excellent group of athletes," noted Weise. "They have shown to be highly competitive with a great capacity for work. They also are very capable team members and recognize that great teams rely on their members to support, challenge and elevate each other throughout the season. I am looking forward to working with them as they make the leap from high school to college athletics."
Weise is in his 12th season as the Spartan rowing coach, and is joined by Helen Tilghman (second season) on staff as the varsity assistant coach, and Katie Bitz starting her fourth season as the novice coach.
Annie Cantu (Plano, Texas)
Bio: Rows for Dallas Rowing Club ... 16th in the Women's Youth 2x and 24th in the Women's Youth 1x at 2015 Head of the Hooch ... Attends Plano Senior High School.
Quote: "I chose Michigan State University because it feels like home; the people, the beautiful campus, and especially the rowing program. I feel welcome and supported and I am excited to put forth my very best effort to greater the team and the school as a whole."
Sophia Klein (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Bio: Rows for and attends Skyline High School ... Earned silver in the U19 Women's 2x and bronze in the U19 women's 4+ at the 2015 Canadian Henley Regatta ... 2015 Scholastic National Champion in Women's Varsity 2x.
Quote: "I decided to attend MSU and become a Spartan because I would be part of a world class university and a world class rowing team. Michigan State felt like a family to me. I felt right at home on campus and like a part of a family with the rowing team. The condition of the athletes, the facilities, the coaching staff and the team culture impressed me. I knew my drive to work hard would pay off both academically and athletically. I am proud to represent MSU rowing and be a productive member of this team as I also look forward to my continued growth and development both academically and athletically at Michigan State University. Go Green! Go White!"
Jennifer Gmeiner (Grosse Pointe, Michigan)
Bio: Coxswain for Detroit Boat Club ... 18th in Varsity 8 at 2015 Head of the Charles ... First place in women's youth 8 at 2014 Canadian Henley ... 2014 Michigan All-State Gymnastics champion in uneven bars ... Attends Grosse Pointe North High School.
Quote: "I'm most excited to be a part of a Big Ten program as well as meet new people who want the same goal as I do. Go Green!"
Kate Willis (Cambridge, England, United Kingdom)
Bio: Rows for Cantabrigian Rowing Club ... Member of the crew that earned the Bumps Blade award in the 2015 Cambridge Town Bumps ... Began training with the Great Britain Rowing Start Programme in December 2014 ... Attended Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge.
Quote: "I feel that I have been given the most amazing opportunity to combine my passion for rowing with studying for a degree. I'm nervous about taking such a big step, but I have been warmly welcomed by Matt and Helen and I'm looking forward to being part of the MSU community."
Madison Sturm (Downers Grove, Illinois)
Bio: Recently transitioned to rowing after being a starting varsity volleyball player since her freshman year ... Currently rowing with the Chicago Rowing Foundation ... Attends Downers Grove North High School.
Quote: "From the second I stepped on campus, I knew this is where I belong. MSU offers a variety of majors, an excellent athletic program, and a strong sense of community among students and staff. I am excited to become a Spartan!"
Claire Hesseltine (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Bio: Rows for Ann Arbor Pioneer Crew ... Member of back-to-back state championship teams in 2014 and 2015 ... Win gold in women's four and silver in women's eight in 2014 ... Won gold in 2015 in women's eight ... Attends Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor.
Quote: "I chose MSU because it has one of the best education programs in the country. I'm excited to be a part of the women's rowing team as I was able to see how great the coaches and students interacted on my recruiting weekend. I'm thrilled to be a Spartan!"
Sarah Carless (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
Bio: Comes to rowing after a record-setting career in gymnastics ... Long family history at MSU ... Homeschooled and studied at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Quote: "I chose MSU because the campus is absolutely beautiful, the people are always so welcoming, the Athletics are truly amazing and they work so hard, the academics are challenging, and there are so many organizations to get involved in around campus. It has always been a dream of mine to attend MSU, and I can't wait to be attending next year and challenge myself both in school and in rowing."
Hannah Worth (Auckland, New Zealand)
Bio: Coxswain for Epsom Girls Grammar in Auckland, New Zealand ... Won silver in U18 eight at the 2015 Maadi Cup ... Recipient of both the Epsom and Auckland Rowing Club coxswain of the year award ... Team Captain of Epsom lacrosse team ... Member of U19 national lacrosse team.
Quote: "I'm excited about becoming a Spartan and taking the next step in my life - both in my education and my rowing."
Players Mentioned
