NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Will Porter, The Friends of YWC Head Coach of Yale Women's Crew, will welcome 10 talented newcomers to New Haven next season, each bringing impressive credentials both on and off the water.

"This is another very good class for YWC featuring athletes from seven different countries, many who have raced at the World Championships," said Porter. "They are all coming to Yale to study and race at the highest level. We consider it the ultimate challenge, one unique to Yale. They will learn to race with each other and for each other at the birthplace of collegiate rowing in the United States, Yale. They will work hard, go fast and have fun!"

Nora Brock
Hamden, Conn. | Star Rowing Club 

• Coaches: Florian Tudor and Dobrita Tudor 

• Team Highlights: 17th at the 2024 USRowing Youth National Championships in the Women's 1x...4th at the 2024 USRowing Northeast Regional Championships in the Women's 1x 

• Why Yale: "I chose Yale because of the strong academic intensity and culture, as well as the welcoming rowing team, the residential college system, and the plentiful great food." 
   

Clara Bernhardt 
Vienna, Austria | Wiener Ruderclub Pirat 

• Team Highlights: 6th in 4- at U19 European Rowing Championships (June 2024) ...4th in 8+ at the 2024 U19 World Rowing Championships

• Why Yale: "Yale offers the incredible and rare opportunity to pursue my academic and athletic dreams simultaneously. When I had the opportunity to visit the campus I was impressed by the dedicated and hard-working students and the passionate faculty, who were enthusiastic and motivated about what they were doing. I really loved the atmosphere and the amazing community of students and rowers. I have never been to a similar place before." 
   

Rachel Dirks 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Havergal College 

• Coach: Michael Greig 

• Highlights:  Competed at the 2024 U19 World Rowing Championships in the 8+ 

• Why Yale? "Upon meeting the team, I immediately knew Yale was the place for me. I am thrilled to be a part of such an inspiring group of women pursuing excellence both on and off the water!" 

Leonie Goller 
Friedrichshafen, Germany | Ruderverein Friedrichshafen 

• Coach: Bernhard Strauch 

• Highlights: Won a silver medal at the 2023 U19 World Rowing Championships in the 8+ 

• Why Yale? "I chose Yale because I think it is a university which is shaped by the people attending it and where community and working together is a main focus." 

Lucinda Johnstone 
Mount Martha, Australia | Toorak College and Mercantile Rowing Club  

• Coaches: Nick Wells and Tim Andrews 

• Highlights: Competed at the 2024 U19 World Rowing Championships in the 4+ 

• Why Yale? "Yale is also one of the highest ranked universities in the world. The success of alumni and current students demonstrates the investment the college has put into its courses and students." 

Valia Lykomitrou 
Thessaloniki, Greece | Nautical Club of Thessaloniki 

• Highlights: 2024 U19 World Rowing champion in the 2x...  2024 European Rowing U19 champion in the 2x... 2024 European Rowing U23 Championship bronze medal in the 2x ... 2023 Balkan Rowing u17 champions  

• Why Yale? "Yale strives to bring out the best of everyone's personal self and capabilities while also highlighting and showcasing the incredible strength of the team." 
   

Amelia Pillar 
Oxford, UK | Headington School Oxford Boat Club AND Leander Club 

• Coach: Ryan Demaine 

• Team Highlights: Henley Women's Regatta Peabody Cup Winners 2021+2023...Henley Royal Regatta Prince Phillip Challenge Trophy Winners 2021 

• Why Yale? "The uncompromising excellence that Yale stands for across the board, as well as the broad and deep academic experience. After conversations with older girls and coaches, I also found the culture of the rowing club to be one that I felt aligned with personally." 
   

Maddie Speller 
Westport, Conn. | Saugatuck Rowing Club 

• Coach: Mike O'Hara 

• Team Highlights: 2022 USRowing Youth National Champion in the U17 4+...4th place at USRowing Youth Nationals in Varsity 8+ (2024)...2nd place at Head of the Charles in Varsity 8+ (2024).

• Why Yale? "I was drawn to Yale by the people. Both on the team and in the classroom, everyone is striving to be the best they can be, and it's a community I'm so excited to be a part of" 

Chloe Stefani 
London, UK | Godolphin and Latymer Boat Club 

• Coaches: Sean Blake and Ally Duggan 

• Team Highlights: 2nd J18 8+ Schools Head of the River (2023) ...3rd J16 4+ National Schools (2023) Quarterfinals Henley Women's Regatta (2023) ...Competed in Prince Philip Challenge Trophy in Henley Royal Regatta (2023) ...1st J18 8+ Schools Head of the River (2024) 

• Why Yale? "I chose Yale for the opportunity to row at the highest level whilst also pursuing a world class education. However, I was primarily drawn by the warm, friendly and uplifting culture of YWC which I feel will push me to be my best on and off the water." 

Emi Takegami 
Rye, N.Y. | Deerfield Academy Crew 

• Coach: Parker Washburn 

• Team Highlights: Henley Royal Regatta Finalist 

• Why Yale? "I loved the balance between athletics and academics. I also loved how international the team was because I would get to meet people from all over the world."