By Larry Snyder

Moon Township, Pa. – During seven days in November, from the 15th to the 21st, Robert Morris University women’s rowing officially signed a quintet of rowers to National Letters of Intent.

The program, under the direction of head rowing coach Nelle Stahura along with assistant coaches Carol Schoenecker, Jacqueline Spiropoulos, and Christopher Garver, is pleased and proud to acknowledge their incoming recruits.

RMU’s first announced signee of the Class of 2024 is Hannah Fowler from Westerville North High School, near Columbus, in Ohio. She rows with the Westerville Crew juniors team, a club sports program whose high school rowers compete in USRowing-sanctioned events held at local, regional, and national regattas.

Fowler commented, “As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that RMU was the school for me! When searching for the right fit, I wanted a school that could offer me the ability to major in both elementary education and special education, while also offering me a rowing program that felt like home. The coaches and the team dynamic were amazing and I’m more than excited to help them reach their goals during the next four years. I can’t wait to be a Colonial!”

Alanna Schlaeger is a senior at Lakota East High School in Liberty Township, Ohio. She honed her skills in Southwest Ohio at the Great Miami Rowing Center in Hamilton, part of Butler County.

Schlaeger remarked, “I chose RMU because I felt a sense of home after stepping on campus for the first time. The nuclear medicine technology program intrigued me with hands-on experiences inside and outside of the classroom. When I met the rowing team, I felt that I belonged. I felt an instant connection to the girls on the team. The team was so positive as they welcomed me as family. The coaches promote a growth mindset through training which I absolutely love! This is a place where I can grow and thrive both academically and athletically. I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue my academic and rowing career for the next four years as a Colonial!”

Another athlete ready to be part of the Class of 2024 is Wexford’s Ashley Moreland, who rowed as part of the Women’s Varsity 8+ for the Pine-Richland High School Crew Team this season.

Moreland said, “I choose Robert Morris because it had a balance of being close to home and an amazing Nursing program- and offered the one thing I love most, rowing. When I first met the rowers and coaches I was overjoyed at how kind and welcoming they were to me! RMU feels like my new home and I couldn’t be happier to join such a great family!”

Coming to the Robert Morris campus from the Pittsburgh Rowing Club is Jasmine Thompson of McMurray, PA. She is graduating from Peters Township High School.

Thompson reflected, “I chose Robert Morris because I knew that the team would be able to push me to reach my athletic goals without restricting me from my academic plans. I knew that the team would welcome me just as they did every time I would visit. The criminal justice program is amazing and I am so excited to be surrounded by people as amazing and inspiring as Amilia. I can’t wait to join the rest of the team!”

Westerville Crew provides the fifth member to the Class of 2024 in Grace Klima, who is also graduating from Westerville North High School.

Klima stated, “Robert Morris ended up on the top of my list because after meeting the coaches, members of the team, and spending some time on campus, I just felt a sense of belonging that I hadn’t felt at any other school. I was impressed not only with the rowing program but with the Nursing program and all the hands-on experiences they offer. In addition, I am intrigued by the Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program and all the opportunities it provides. RMU is a unique place where I feel I will be supported academically, and also help me be the best version of myself. I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life and am looking forward to becoming part of the Colonial family!”

Coxswain Clipboard: When Robert Morris Rowing enters the spring portion of their 2019-2020 campaign, it marks their 10th season participating in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

From YouTube.com – RMU Athletics: Oct. 24, 2017 – RMU Rowing Hype Video…