William Smith rowing will keep one of the most accomplished athletes in program history on the boathouse docks, as head coach Paul Bugenhagen has named recent graduate Linnea Darius an assistant coach.
Darius, who earned bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental studies in May, transitions into the coaching ranks following a decorated collegiate career that culminated in one of the best seasons ever by a William Smith crew.
As the stroke seat of the Herons’ varsity eight this spring, Darius helped lead the boat to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships, marking the program’s first national championship medal since 2013. William Smith also tied its highest-ever finish in the team standings by placing third overall.
Her senior campaign featured several other milestones. Darius earned first-team All-America honors and was a finalist for the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Division III Athlete of the Year award. She also collected first-team All-Liberty League recognition after helping the Herons capture their first Liberty League championship since 2016. William Smith’s varsity eight claimed Liberty League Crew of the Year honors, and Darius added 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 also stroked the top boat during her sophomore season, earning second-team All-Liberty League honors. At this year’s Herons Awards Banquet, she received both the Winn-Seeley Award and the S. Ford Weiskittel Most Valuable Oarswoman Award.
Now, Darius will bring her championship experience and leadership to the coaching staff as William Smith looks to build on one of the most successful seasons in program history and remain among the nation’s top Division III rowing programs.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.