The Western Washington University women's rowing team is preparing for the 2025 season after winning its ninth NCAA national championship in 2024. This win marked Western’s first national title since 2017 and was their 20th appearance in the championship.
The team will begin its title defense on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the PLU Invitational in Lakewood, Wash., marking the start of the season.
“We’re moving forward and trying to continue that level of performance,” head coach Courtney Moeller said.
Experienced rowers like fourth-year Linnea Olix have their sights set on returning to nationals.
“Last year was the first year I ever went to nationals in my entire rowing career, and I intend to be able to again,” Olix said. “I want to be in a boat that I am proud of.”
Meanwhile, for first-years like Illyana Schneiderman, the season brings nerves and excitement.
“I’m feeling a little bit nervous going into this first season; I don’t know what to expect,” Schneiderman said. “But I’m also super excited and motivated to get going.”
Schneiderman emphasized how the team culture pushes athletes to give their full effort.
“It’s a fun atmosphere where it’s so comfortable you’re able to push yourself to your limit because you’re not scared of showing people that side of you,” Schneiderman said.
The coach and players credited the rowing team’s success to the team culture.
“The culture is fun. It’s one where we’re trying to make sure that rowing is something on top of their academic experience here at Western, so it’s not everything to them,” Moeller said. “We’re focused on creating a whole student, and a whole athlete; we want them to be more than just rowing so that when they come to practice they’re energized and enthusiastic.”
Sarah Ernst, a fourth-year rower, praised the coaching staff’s support.
“Our coaches are very intentional about making sure we are the strongest at the right time. They push us right to our limit right when we need it the most,” Ernst said. “With rowing, you can easily get overworked and then get injured. Our coaches intentionally give us enough time to rest and recover and that’s really helpful.”
Despite the team’s national success, they do not recruit athletes. Moeller explained that even though coaches will have conversations with some rowers coming to Western, everyone must get accepted and enrolled before trying out for the team.
“They still have to go through a process to be on a roster, and that has been a system that has worked out good for us; it helps us get more buy-in from the athletes,” Moeller said. “They all want to be here first and foremost, they’re not just looking for a spot to row.
Beyond the competition, the women’s rowing team has succeeded in building strong bonds between athletes.
“I’m going to miss having so many friends to talk to every day. I’ll miss being able to walk up to them and sit and have a conversation,” Olix said. “Having the team has made it so I have a built-in friend and support group that I can lean on.”
Tyler Noonan (he/him) is a senior at Western and a sports reporter for The Front. He is a marketing major and a public relations minor. Outside of school he enjoys fitness and working on creative projects. You can reach him at tylernoonan.thefront@gmail.com
