Nova Southeastern University today announced the reinstatement of the women's rowing program, following a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are pleased to welcome women's rowing back as the 17th NCAA Division II sponsored sport for NSU Athletics," said Michael Mominey, NSU Director of Athletics / Associate Vice President for Advancement. The NSU women's rowing program has been one of the most successful sports in our history and we look forward to them continuing to succeed on the water and in the classroom."
A national search will commence immediately for a head coach to lead the NSU women's rowing program in preparation for competition in the 2023-24 academic year.
"I am very happy that we are reinstating our women's rowing team this year – we all understand how important a role sports play in a well-rounded college experience," said Dr. George Hanbury, NSU's President and CEO. "Our program was very successful, but the pandemic forced us to take that drastic action. Now that we're back, I am fully confident our student-athletes will once again rise to the highest levels of competition."
In its first year after being added as a sport by Nova Southeastern in 2003-04, the varsity-8 crew saw immediate success in the programs first year by earning a trip to the NCAA Rowing Championships and victory in the petite final over Sunshine State Conference rival Barry University.
In 2009, the NSU women's rowing varsity-4 boat won the first individual NCAA Division II Championship for Nova Southeastern, marking the first time the Sharks had won an event at the NCAA Division II Championships. NSU women's rowing then captured the 2013 NCAA DII Rowing National Championship, winning both the varsity-8 and varsity-4 grand finals.
Former and first Sharks head rowing coach John Gartin and five former rowers have been selected to the NSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
"We have been diligently working in partnership with Mike Mominey and the athletic department over the past two years to ensure that rowing has a permanent home at NSU", said NSU Athletic Hall of Fame rower Nicki Felucca – Brugler. "I can confidently say that my time as a rower on campus has gifted me the tenacity and conviction I bring to everyday life. Our goal with the NSU Rowing Foundation is to provide these priceless opportunities to women that are yet to come and create a support network for our committed alumni base. I am beyond thrilled we are continuing this legacy."
The NSU women's rowing program has captured six Sunshine State Conference titles (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014) appeared in 12 NCAA Division II Championships, and individually, has boasted 18 All-Americans and 65 Scholar All-Americans.
The women's rowing program was paused indefinitely prior to the 2020-21 academic year and Global Pandemic. The University and NSU Department of Athletics honored the athletic scholarships for all women's rowing student-athletes through the completion of their undergraduate degree during the pause.
Sharks' alumni rowers have remained active in the community by establishing the NSU Rowing Foundation. For the past seven years, they have sponsored the "Every Meter Matters, Row for a Cure" fundraiser to support Curing Kids Cancer.
"I am excited for our alumni, our program and our university, in bringing back this great sport with a rich tradition of history and success," stated Mominey.
NSU Athletics is celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout the 2022-23 school year. NSU athletic teams have won eight team NCAA National Championships and have produced 27 individual NCAA National Champions. Since joining the Sunshine State Conference in 2004-05, the athletic program has earned 37 SSC titles.
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