William Smith College senior rower Linnea Darius has been selected as a finalist for the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Division III Athlete of the Year award, adding another honor to a remarkable collegiate career.
The award, now in its fifth year, recognizes student-athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams through performance, leadership, and overall contributions throughout the academic year. Darius becomes just the second William Smith rower to be named a finalist for the national award.
The recognition follows a standout senior season in which Darius served as the stroke seat of the Herons’ varsity eight boat. She helped lead William Smith to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships, marking the program’s first NCAA medal since 2013. Combined with a strong performance from the second varsity eight, the result helped the Herons tie the best national finish in program history with a third-place team standing.
Darius was also named a CRCA First Team All-American and earned First Team All-Liberty League honors. She played a key role in William Smith capturing its first Liberty League championship since 2016, guiding the Herons to a convincing victory at the conference regatta. Her successful year also included a bronze medal at the New York State Championships and a silver medal in the varsity four at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta.
A four-year member of the varsity eight, Darius leaves behind a lasting legacy within the program. Her accomplishments were further recognized at the annual Herons Awards Banquet, where she received both the Winn-Seeley Award and the S. Ford Weiskittel Most Valuable Oarswoman Award.
Head coach Paul Bugenhagen praised Darius for her leadership and influence, noting that her commitment and ability to elevate those around her helped transform the program during her four years with the team.
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