The William Smith Herons rowing is headed back to the national stage for the first time in a decade after securing a berth in the 2026 NCAA Division III Rowing Championships, scheduled for May 29-30 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia. William Smith, ranked sixth in the latest CRCA/Pocock Coaches Poll, earned an automatic bid after capturing the Liberty League championship earlier this month and will make its 14th appearance at the NCAA championships and first since 2016.
The Herons enter nationals following a strong spring season highlighted by consistent performances from both varsity boats. William Smith’s varsity eight collected four Liberty League Boat of the Week honors while winning gold at the Liberty League Championships and bronze at the New York State Championships. The top boat also swept head-to-head races against Ithaca and RIT before placing sixth Sunday at the National Invitational Rowing Championships against a field that featured nearly every NCAA qualifier.
The varsity eight lineup includes Lizzy Whitney, Linnea Darius, Kate Abdalla, Raya Schwartz, Alessandra Gialanella, Aubrey Ryan, Eden Grim, Leah Wiebe and Meghan Bartholomay. William Smith’s second varsity eight also enjoyed a standout season, earning two Liberty League Boat of the Week awards while capturing league gold and state silver medals. The crew placed sixth at the NIRCs and includes Michaela Greco, Olivia Helms, Lily Liflander, Alessandra Gialanella, Paige Barnhart, Ainsley Kimball, Mariee Voss, Alayna Wian and Olivia Sainsbury.
William Smith will compete against a national field that includes defending champion Tufts Jumbos rowing when racing begins May 29 in Gainesville, Georgia.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.