NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Mia Levy has made quite an impact on the Yale women's crew in her first two seasons. She also excelled in the US Rowing program and has earned a big honor. Levy was named the USRowing Under 23 National Team Female Athlete of the Year after helping the U.S. eight win a gold medal at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in July.
"I am incredibly honored to be selected as the 2023 U23 Female Athlete of the Year. My favorite thing about the experience was the chance to meet and bond with such amazing athletes from other schools," Levy said. "Our team dynamic was fantastic; my teammates were hard working and brought such positive energy to the boat. Even though many of us are rivals throughout the school year, we were able to rally behind a common goal, and I was able to make some deep friendships that will last long after this summer. Our coaching staff was also a huge part of our team dynamic. Sarah Trowbridge coaching inspired and motivated me to push myself in this sport because of her contagious energy and amazing athletic journey.
"I also owe a huge thank you to my home team, Yale Women's Crew, and my coaches,
Will Porter,
Jamie Snider, and
Kristen Wilhelm. In my time at Yale, I have transformed as an athlete because of the guidance of these coaches and the work ethic and spirit of my awesome teammates. I was so honored to not only represent the United States at worlds, but also YWC; my home team has given me so much and has a cherished place in my heart."
A first-time under 23 national team member and three-time national team rower overall, Levy helped the U.S. eight win by open water over Germany, finishing more than four seconds ahead of the field.
"As for the experience of competing at Worlds, it was truly inspiring to be around so many high-level athletes from around the world," Levy said. "USRowing had an incredible set up that allowed us to stay fueled, cool, and healthy so that we could perform at our best. Brett Gorman, Wendy Wilbur, athletic trainer Reiko Takahashi, and our selection camp intern, Jenny Cook, were huge factors in our performance and put in so much work to keep things running smoothly. I am so thankful for this experience."
Selected by the athletes and coaches of the team that competed at the 2023 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, Levy will be recognized during the Head of the Charles in October.
At Yale, Levy has helped the Bulldogs to a pair of top-five finishes at the NCAA Championship in her two years. Last spring, she earned CRCA second team All-America honors and was an All-Ivy selection. She sat in the No. 4 seat of the varsity eight that placed sixth in the grand final at the NCAA Championship and won a bronze medal with the varsity eight at the Ivy League Championship. In addition, she was named a CRCA Scholar Athlete. In her first year in 2022, she helped the second varsity eight win NCAA and Ivy League championships.
"Mia embodies Yale women's crew and what we aspire to be," said
Will Porter, The Friends of YWC Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "She is a great teammate, smart, tough, humble, loves rowing and is a tremendously hard worker."
