The rowing varsity eight got off to a blazing start to the spring season.

The women’s rowing varsity eight kicked off the 2025 regular season in grand fashion when the Raiders took home a first-place finish in a regatta on the road.

The rowers were thrilled with the result. But the celebration didn’t end there. A few days later, the team learned the varsity eight was named conference Boat of the Week.

For the first time in recorded history, the Colgate women’s rowing varsity eight had achieved the distinction. After intense training throughout the winter, followed by a grueling practice schedule the week prior to the first regatta of the spring, the Raiders were thrilled to see their hard work bear fruit.

“This certainly was a happy surprise because we just came off a full training week so we were a little depleted from the extra rowing time,” said head coach Jim Lister. “Having a win like that was a welcoming achievement.”

Lister said he heard about the conference honor on a Tuesday morning when his phone erupted with messages from his student-athletes — who were brimming with excitement — and peers wishing to congratulate him.

“It’s a nice recognition for our athletes to be recognized for the hard work they put in over the winter,” Lister said. 

Colgate began the season with a regatta against Marist and High Point on Lake Brandt in Greensboro, N.C. 

When the race was over, the varsity eight knew it had put on a strong performance because the row was strong from beginning to end.

“They certainly felt like they rowed well together. They were in continuity with one another, and did a great job staying tuned in to the boat and staying internal,” he said.

The boat was made up of senior Natalie McCall, juniors Katherine Metcalf, Marie Clausen, and Elena Myatt, and five first-years — Sarah Slumber, Audrey Brogan, Ellie Givertz-Steel, Harper Hoffman, and Stella Curcio. 

Having that many rookies on a varsity eight is unusual, Lister said. But everyone earned their spot on the boat by meeting the team’s matrix, which uses the performance of rowers on the water to determine where they can contribute. 

In addition, this year’s roster has received a big boost from a strong rookie class that embraced the rigorous work that’s demanded from the program. 

Meanwhile, the veterans on the boat have provided invaluable leadership and experience, Lister said. 

McCall, one of three co-captains on the team, said the victory at High Point was a big confidence booster and set a strong tone for the start of the season. 

“As a senior, it’s especially rewarding to see all the hard work we’ve put in come together, and it’s great to be part of this moment for our team and have the varsity eight recognized,” McCall said. “It really shows the commitment of both the upperclassmen and underclassmen, and I’m excited to see where this momentum takes us.”

The boat’s strong start is also a sign of a bright future for the program. Lister said he has a number of talented rowers who have committed for the class of 2025. 

And this year’s rookie crop is expected to continue to grow stronger.

“This race and our results mark the beginning of an exciting new era for our program,” McCall said. “The bow five rowers in our varsity eight are freshmen, and their drive and competitiveness are already pushing the team to new heights. They’re fast, humble, and incredibly hard-working, setting the tone for what’s ahead.”