HADLEY, MA – Head coach Kate Maloney's first Williams women's rowing team has placed six seniors on the All-NESCAC Rowing First and Second Teams.
Most recently Maloney's Ephs swept the New England Championships and the ECAC National Invitational, winning the women's all points trophy at both events and earning an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Rowing Championships. Williams will be gunning for a record seventh straight NCAA title a May 25-26 in West Windsor, NJ.
In their last seven events the Williams women's crew team has won the Varsity 1, 2, and 3 races and the novice boat won its last six races.
NESCAC First Team honors were awarded to Jane McClellan, Lindsay Olsen, Emma Pelegri-O'Day, and coxswain Fiona Wilkes. Capturing Second Team laurels were captain Sydney Tooze and Sara Wallace.
Senior Lindsay Olsen was a Second Team All-NESCAC selection last year.
"As a whole, the team of 2012 has been inspiring in their approach to this year," Maloney stated. "The standard is very high in the boathouse, based on years of success, but this is a group that has worked very hard to distinguish themselves as an entity unto itself. They look to the example set by past crews in addition to making their own history. I have been humbled by their passion and commitment to one another and to love they have shown for the sport."
Kate Maloney comments on each of her All-NESCAC honorees:
Jane McClellan is a quiet, hard worker. There is no doubt on race day that she will bring her best, most tough racing mentality to the line and this inspires confidence in those around her. She is a catalyst for team speed.
Emma Pelegri-O'Day has been a determined force on the Williams women's crew since the day she arrived as a freshman. She has a love for competition that is infectious and a desire to work hard that sets the standard for the rest of the team.
Lindsay Olsen is unparalleled in her talent as an oarswoman. As a walk-on freshman year, she quickly established herself as one of the strongest women ever to come out of Williams. She is number two on the top ten fastest women in Williams women's crew history and I expect that will be a mark that remains unchallenged for many years. She is humble in her approach and tough on the line -- a combination potent in its effect.
Fiona Wilkes is passionate about her position as a coxswain. She works tirelessly to promote boat speed and is a student of the stroke. She is easy to work with and a very capable coach on the water.
Sydney Tooze is a fighter and a great athlete to coach. She is a gracious co-captain and has led the team in both thought and action. Her counterparts trust her to bring her best when it is needed and she delivers in racing situations.
Sara Wallace is tough. She has worked through injury and setbacks to be a linchpin of the undefeated Williams 2V. She has mental and physical stamina that sets a very positive example for the underclassmen and above all she is approachable, which allows people to feel good around her.
See complete All-NESCAC Rowing Teams for Men and Women HERE.
